British war plans assumed that France and Norway would remain in the fight. Motor torpedo boats were expected to guard the east coast and Channel minefields while adding firepower on coastal convoy routes. Deploying diesel craft to colonial stations could also release sloops for minesweeping and anti-submarine patrols in the main theater. These dispersed duties did not provide a ready answer for a suddenly exposed Channel coast.
Notable Point · 7:23-8:34
Prewar roles for British motor torpedo boats
Before 1940, British plans assigned motor torpedo boats to east-coast defence, Channel minefield patrols, convoy support, and colonial duties.