The ships were fitted for paravanes, although these were removed. Minesweeping had been an important element of the original requirement. Early Flower-class corvettes also had a strong minesweeping emphasis. Submarines' destructive use of mines during World War I helps explain that requirement, and mines remained dangerous weapons.
Notable Point · 29:37-30:02
Why early escorts carried minesweeping equipment
Mikura's removed paravanes and early Flower-class requirements connect escort minesweeping equipment to the threat from submarine-laid mines.