Vian inherited the challenge of protecting coastal convoys against fast German destroyers and E-boats operating at night. After identifying inadequate rate of fire against small fast targets, he contacted Controller of the Navy Bruce Fraser and received eight pom-pom guns for his ships within forty-eight hours. The rapid change contrasts with procurement that might otherwise take months or years. Vian solved a practical operational problem that his predecessor had recognized but left unresolved.
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Philip Vian, E-boats, and rapid equipment change
Philip Vian's coastal-convoy experience shows a commander turning an identified anti-E-boat shortfall into a rapid equipment change.