Experience flying Hurricanes from HMS Glorious during the Norwegian campaign helped establish that the fighter could operate from ships. Catapult aircraft merchantmen, or CAM ships, then carried Sea Hurricane Mk.IAs that could be launched against enemy aircraft but could not return to the merchantman. The first converted merchantman, SS Michael E, was torpedoed before its fighter could be launched. The arrangement accepted the likely loss of the fighter in exchange for intercepting bombers before they reached gun range, reflecting the Royal Navy's view that another fighter was the best defence against aircraft.
Chapter · 2:31:42-2:34:33
CAM ships launch one-way Sea Hurricane interceptions
Battle of the Atlantic losses prompted Hurricane conversions for catapult aircraft merchantmen, giving otherwise unprotected convoys a fighter that could break up an incoming air attack.