Armoured carrier design trades air-group size for survivability

Illustrious had twenty-four Swordfish, so losing two on 9 November removed almost a tenth of a force already performing reconnaissance, anti-submarine patrols and communications flights. One of those routine jobs was collecting photographs from Malta. The small air group left little margin for operational attrition, a cost of fitting an armoured carrier within treaty limits. British responses included work on Unicorn and larger carriers once treaty restrictions ended, while retaining armoured flight decks. The case for armour rested on exposure to attack in the Mediterranean, structural strength in Atlantic weather and the ability to keep operating far from home. In Pacific planning, Britain could not assume access to American yards, and local repairs were distinguished from the major work that could require a return to the United Kingdom. The argument for survivability therefore coexisted with immediate pressure on the small air group.