Mediterranean losses and repairs constrain Allied reinforcements

Losses and damage from Crete and the evacuation of Greece help explain the shortage of British cruisers and destroyers. Some ships already in the Far East are there for repairs, so presence in the region does not mean immediate readiness for action. Older C-, D-, and E-class cruisers still offer useful capabilities, and much of the American destroyer strength dates from the First World War. Time during December and January would allow repairs and work-up to turn more of that inventory into an effective force. A Dutch coastal-defence ship could also join the old battleships for bombardment duties.