The Air Ministry's prewar opposition to carriers did not remain constant after war began. Far Eastern commitments brought pressure to send land-based aircraft to Malaya and other distant stations. Supporting carriers offered a way to assign those air commitments to the Navy while keeping aircraft for North Africa. At several points the Air Ministry therefore joined the pressure for carriers. This change in priorities complicates the claim that it was simply responsible for holding back the Implacable class.
Notable Point · 36:03-36:38
Why the Air Ministry began supporting carriers
Far Eastern commitments gave the Air Ministry a wartime reason to support naval carriers and preserve aircraft for North Africa.