The close escort comprised the minesweeper Gossamer and five whalers.

Other commanders present thought a combination of sweeps and close escort would be more effective in reducing losses.

The close escort joined the same day.

Among ships that might still travel under close escort are those delivering American arms.

They led him up a flight of steps and through twisting corridors, under close escort all the way, and finally onto the darkened bridge.

The convoy was protected by a close escort and a distant escort.

This convoy succeeded in reaching Malta, and the ship formed part of the close escort on the return journey.

The second would strike at the close escort, or, if unescorted, the bombers themselves.

Yet pressure to defend the bombers in close escort caused this advantage to be thrown away.

Only two months later she took up the role of close escort in the Pedestal convoy to Malta.