The convoy placed oilers and rescue ships inside a layered formation while destroyers closed toward likely air-attack sectors. Avenger could leave the screen to turn into wind, maneuver in a defined box, and return through one of two protected positions while two rear destroyers remained her close escorts. The arrangement reconciled the carrier's need to steer for wind with the convoy's need to preserve a coherent defensive screen. It also shows the doctrinal correction made after Audacity was allowed to operate exposed outside her convoy.
Chapter · 1:34:08-1:42:45
How PQ 18 protected its escort carrier
PQ 18 gave Avenger an operating box, protected re-entry positions, and destroyers dedicated to following the carrier out of formation.