A damaged sloop shows the value of full naval construction

A photograph shows a sloop lying level despite the loss of her stern, raising the question of whether abandonment was unavoidable. Sinking her was probably necessary because she could not be brought home safely from Norway. Closer to a British base, the same damage might have been survived long enough for a tow and major repair. Sloops were built as full naval ships, with a robustness distinct from the more limited construction of many corvettes and, to an extent, frigates. The hull's toughness could save the ship only when geography and access to dockyard support made recovery possible.