PQ 18 sailed with an escort carrier that could drive off or shoot down reconnaissance aircraft. Pound delayed the follow-up until he could assemble a much larger escort intended to prevent another disaster. The British also sent two dummy convoys made up of minesweepers and merchant ships, but the Germans ignored both feints. Convoy protection depended on denying the enemy a clear picture of the route and cargoes.
Notable Point · 17:35-20:55
What PQ 18 changed about Arctic convoy protection
PQ 18's escort carrier could disrupt the scouting aircraft that made a summer Arctic convoy so vulnerable.