Mine warfare can misdirect escort production

Long-range submarines remain commerce and area-denial weapons in this counterfactual, with minelaying closely connected to those missions. The procurement explanation rests on a British expectation that Germany would repeat what is judged here to have been its most cost-effective First World War submarine campaign: laying mines. Some Flower-class and other small ships were consequently being acquired with minesweeping in mind. When Germany did not mount the expected widespread campaign, that emphasis left Britain needing to redirect vessels toward anti-submarine warfare and long-range escort. The adjustment is presented as an industrial challenge caused by preparing for a different submarine offensive.