The proposed deployment uses French ships and older British units in the Mediterranean while keeping newer British ships in northern waters. This is a scenario estimate, dependent on the construction and availability assumptions already established. Retreat into harbour would expose the Axis fleets to possible attacks on Taranto or German bases such as Wilhelmshaven and Kiel. Allied escort growth also makes it harder for a submarine campaign to compensate for surface weakness. German and Italian resources still have to be divided between surface ships and submarines.
Notable Point · 3:44:15-3:48:29
Anglo-French strength could divide the Axis fleets between two theatres
The illustrative balance sets sixteen new Anglo-French capital ships against eight German and Italian ships, with carriers threatening fleets in port.