The convoy system, or a group of merchant ships sailing together for protection, has a long naval history. It was used extensively by Spain to protect its treasure fleets against pirates in the colonial period. ... Embattled by German submarines, the British responded with an escort fleet of ships for protection.

Why was the convoy system necessary?

Why was the convoy system necessary? The convoy system was necessary because it helped them overcome U-boat threats, and prevented them from losing any allied ships (for days and weeks); it also helped equip Britain with important supplies.

How did the convoy system effect ww1?

These escorts not only guarded against surface gunfire attacks, but also dropped depth charges in areas where German 'U-boats' were known to operate. The convoy system resulted in a rapid decrease in German attacks on Allied shipping during the last 17 months of the war.