Waverley-class vessels taken up from trade and older Glenavon-class ships continued to serve because paddle steamers remained effective minesweepers. Some hulls entered naval employment nearly new, while several Glenavon vessels dated from before World War I and remained useful decades later. Their heavy armament supported coastal escort and convoy duties beyond mine clearance alone. Minesweeping put ships in exceptional danger, so inexpensive, available, and proven hulls were a rational allocation of wartime resources.
Notable Point · 41:29-43:33
Waverley and Glenavon classes remained useful coastal warships
Older and trade-built paddle steamers persisted as heavily armed minesweepers and coastal escorts because they worked and were economical to risk.