Warships in retreat - what films may be about? (6)

I believe the answer is:

spools

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'warships' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spools that I've seen before include "Bobbins, reels" , "Winds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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