Escort Carrier - Escort Carrier Tactics When Escorting Convoys

Escort Carrier Tactics When Escorting Convoys

There were three basic tactics for operating an escort carrier in defence of a convoy:

• Within the convoy, which gave it the protection of the convoy′s escort but limited the space to turn into the wind to operate aircraft.
• Near the convoy, which gave the carrier freedom of manoeuvre, but put it outside the screen provided by the convoy′s escort, making it necessary for the carrier to have its own separate escort. The carrier was also likely to be spotted by enemy forces approaching the convoy, making it vulnerable to attack.
• Some distance away from the convoy. This increased the time required for aircraft to reach the convoy but reduced the risk of being spotted by forces attacking the convoy.

HMS Audacity was sunk while operating in the second position which was later banned by the Admiralty as too risky.