Britain entered the 1920s with L- and H-class submarines and V- and W-class destroyers inherited from First World War construction, so it could pursue gradual technical development rather than an immediate mass programme. The shortage of sloops reflected budget priorities rather than industrial incapacity. Numerous British yards could still build small vessels, so production capacity and funded orders were different questions. Small construction runs kept skills and technology alive while leaving the force short of the desired numbers.
Notable Point · 3:06-4:55
Interwar escort numbers were a budget choice
The Royal Navy could build small warships, but limited budgets forced it to choose which capabilities to develop and retain.