The surface-escort threat demands more than the anti-submarine corvettes and Hunt-class ideas that matured immediately before the war. A sloop designed specifically to fight destroyers would probably carry rapid-firing 4.5-inch or 4.7-inch dual-purpose guns. Starting the programme around 1937 would put British and Canadian construction ahead of the historical emergency escort timetable. The design responds to a fleet escort problem: German destroyers are dangerous because a capital ship or cruiser task force is likely close behind them.
Notable Point · 1:34:45-1:36:14
Britain could start an anti-destroyer sloop programme early
Long-range German destroyers could prompt a pre-war British and Canadian sloop programme armed with rapid-firing dual-purpose guns.