The Ark Royal series sometimes detaches carriers on solo missions, in contrast with Royal Navy practice. Even a peacetime carrier movement could include several destroyers and a cruiser traveling in company. A doctrinal wartime screen might reach nine destroyers and two light cruisers. Against HMS Glorious, a screen of that size would have given Scharnhorst and Gneisenau more ships, smoke, and torpedoes to overcome before reaching the carrier. The extra time could have allowed an aircraft launch or warning signals.
Chapter · 2:20:39-2:22:28
Ark Royal and the danger of solo carrier missions
Historical escort practice shows why a fictional carrier should not be sent on major operations alone.