Q&A · 1:35:42-1:37:50

A second carrier could keep Scharnhorst and Gneisenau away from Glorious

Armor or a small speed change matters less than having enough carriers to maintain reconnaissance and combat air patrols.

Question

Would an armored or slightly faster Glorious survive the Norwegian campaign?

Short answer

The decisive change would be a second carrier and airborne patrols, which could detect the Germans early and allow escape.

Notes

Another available carrier and an accompanying admiral would make aircraft coverage more likely. Early detection would let the British carriers run while reporting the German ships to nearby capital units such as Renown. That warning could prevent the surprise surface engagement that destroyed Glorious.