The attackers belonged to the 4th S-boat Flotilla. German destroyers, torpedo boats, and fast attack craft were separate categories, so descriptions of a torpedo-boat flotilla identify the wrong force. The destroyer Vortigern was lost in related fighting, demonstrating that these encounters could destroy even a proper escort. East Coast convoys also faced aircraft, mines, submarines, confined waters, and the navigational demands of merchant traffic. The route moved about 13 million tons of coal and 2 million tons of other cargo each year, making it strategically essential despite its proximity to Britain.
Chapter · 1:16:58-1:22:15
Wallace, FN 655, and the danger of East Coast convoys
Philip's first direct clash with German forces came while escorting convoy FN 655 against S-boats in waters exposed to aircraft, mines, submarines, and fast attack craft.