Older destroyers remained useful after conversion into long-range or coastal convoy escorts. The Royal Navy's V and W classes were well suited to those duties despite being over age for front-line fleet work. That defensive work was essential to avoiding defeat, but it remained separate from the offensive operations that win control of the sea. Modern destroyers were needed in numbers to escort striking forces, maneuver against enemy communications, and carry the fight outward.
Notable Point · 51:23-52:15
Old escorts preserve the modern striking force
Over-age V and W-class destroyers could defend convoys, leaving modern destroyers available to establish sea control and threaten enemy communications.