Convoys - outdated by technology?
Description
Based on the good record of the two World Wars the impact of convoying on the operations of the main opponent to shipping, the U-boat, is discussed and leads to three conclusions in favour of convoys from the lessons of the two World Wars: 1. the U-boats had more difficulties in finding targets due to the concentration of shipping; 2. the limited weapon load of the U-boat favouredlarger convoys; and 3. the effectiveness of convoy escorts sinking submarines was much greater than in other types of ASW actions.
Furthermore, the author focuses on major significant technological developments of the post-war era, and their influence on the conduct of future convoy operations is assessed.