Prior to their introduction this task normally fell to the escorting warships, which would divert them from the task defending the rest of the convoy from the attacking U-boat or aircraft.
This task normally fell to the escorting warships. This was prior to their introduction. The escorting warships would divert them from the task. This task is defending the rest of the convoy from the attacking U-boat. This task is defending the rest of the convoy from aircraft.