JW 51B's protection was divided among forces with different jobs and operating areas. A western escort of Hunt-class destroyers with a B-class leader helped cover the initial stretch where submarines were a particular concern. Bramble, two Flower-class corvettes and two trawlers formed the close escort against submarines, while Sherbrooke's destroyers provided the ocean escort. Burnett's Force R added two cruisers and two destroyers. Farther away, HMS Anson and Cumberland operated with three fleet destroyers and two Hunt-class escorts, while Allied submarines patrolled other approaches. The Germans therefore faced a much larger supporting force than the ships immediately beside the merchant column.
Notable Point · 1:17:46-1:21:38
How JW 51B's escort layers fitted together
Close escorts, fighting destroyers, cruisers, and HMS Anson formed successive layers against submarines and German surface ships.