Escort Carrier, St. John's, Newfoundland

Aircraft operating from escort carriers like HMS Trumpeter, seen here in St. John's Harbour in late 1943 or early 1944, were essential to countering the threat from German submarines (U-Boats).

These small aircraft carriers could accompany convoys to provide air cover, with their aircraft searching for and attacking German submarines. Escort carriers could also form the core of hunter-killer or support groups, working with anti-submarine ships like frigates and destroyers to hunt down U-Boats or to help defend threatened convoys.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030014-057_7