British Navy Tests out the convoy system again-Fleet an air Exercises in Channel - Three battleships of the "Red" fleet convoy taking part in the exercises in the English Channel. They are "", "Royal Oak". The convoy system for merchant ships, so successful during the Great War, is again being tested by the British Navy. The Home Fleet, returning from manoeuvros in the Mediterranean, was made to represent a large convoy of merchantmen bringing cargoes of food and raw materials to England, opposed by a "Blue" force. Fifty warships, including 10 submarines, and 130 planes are taking part in the exercises. March 28, 1938.