Asiatic Fleet cruisers reinforce Force Z

What if Admiral Hart brought Asiatic Fleet cruisers to Singapore for exercises in early December 1941?

They could join Force Z, increase its anti-aircraft fire, and divide enemy attention, improving its survival prospects without guaranteeing the result.

American cruisers visiting Singapore for exercises could join Force Z and give it a larger combined task group. Their anti-aircraft guns would increase the defensive fire against the unescorted Japanese bombers, although whether that alone would be enough remains uncertain. Additional ships would also divide the attackers' attention. Repulse is considered the more likely capital ship to benefit from this effect because her layout could resemble that of a cruiser from some viewing angles. Prince of Wales had a more distinctive shape and arrangement of guns, making her easier to identify from above.