I disagree strongly.

The strongest reaction force belongs at the rear and so does the carrier.

Let me get the number of escorts straight.

We had 9 and were reinforced with the 3 of the carrier group?

Now we lost those three and still have the 9 and the carrier?


I would recommend that we have two corvettes at the front and on the flanks.

The two destroyers and a corvette at the rear.

One of the destroyers can reinforce a group where it is needed when a sub is found, but two always need to protect the rear of the convoy.

If the escort is too weak it will invite a surface attack by the U-boats, which is far likelier to succeed than a long range submerged attack. Also at the rear the carrier is afforded better protection. She is every bit as vulnerable as a merchant ship while sailing unescorted.

If we are getting contact reports we need to steer west for a few hours to try and lose them until the storm hits.

Then it is likely we need not worry too much until it blows its self out.

Subs at periscope depth are also effected by the storm and waves. They can even be thrown to the surface.

Report the several contacts and request some reinforcements. It will take days for them to arrive but it is better to alert them now than have to wait while we are in contact and losing ships.