New destroyers entered a fleet that was growing while also taking losses. Flower-class sloops, trawlers, torpedo boats and other escort vessels formed part of the wider mobilisation of naval tonnage. Grand Fleet screening was a central purpose of destroyer deployment. During the war, that protective function extended to convoys and other operations. A destroyer could threaten larger ships while fending off smaller attackers. Those offensive and defensive capabilities helped keep threats away from the force it protected.
Chapter · 7:40-8:59
Destroyer screens expand from the Grand Fleet to convoys
Follow the destroyer's expanding screening role alongside the sloops, trawlers and other vessels added to Britain's wartime escort force.