Once the destroyer threat is confirmed as the only immediate danger, the cruiser and three destroyers should move to intercept it before it reaches the merchant ships. Halcyon-class minesweepers, Flower-class corvettes, and at least one destroyer remain with the convoy in case another threat appears. The split illustrates the difference between a close escort that preserves the convoy and a fighting escort intended to defeat an approaching surface force. The rebuilt cruiser serves as the fighting group's command and gunfire center rather than remaining inside the close screen.
Notable Point · 1:27:51-1:30:17
Splitting a fighting escort from the convoy screen
The closing tactical problem separates a cruiser-led fighting escort from the sloops, corvettes, and one destroyer retained close to the convoy.