What were groups of ships escorted across the Atlantic by warships for safety called?

• A. Task forces
• B. Convoys
• C. Navy fleets
• D. Maritime protectors

Answer: (B)

The term "convoys" refers specifically to groups of ships that travel together as a protective measure against potential threats at sea, such as enemy attacks or piracy. During times of war, especially in the context of the two World Wars, merchant ships would be grouped together and escorted by naval vessels to enhance their safety while crossing the Atlantic. This strategy significantly reduced the risk of individual ships being targeted. The organization of convoys was crucial for maintaining supply lines and ensuring that essential goods and military supplies reached their destinations without significant loss.

The other options do not accurately capture this specific practice. Task forces are generally a temporary grouping of units, either for military operations or specific missions, without the primary focus on the safe passage of merchant ships. Navy fleets typically refer to a unit of naval ships operating in a specific area but do not imply the protective escort function associated with convoys. Maritime protectors is a less common term and is not specifically recognized in naval terminology related to the organized, protective movement of ships across oceans.