The second planning phase sent the main fleet through the approaches to Singapore while expecting submarines, aircraft, and the Japanese fleet to contest the passage. Armoured battle carriers existed to keep aviation operating close to that concentrated danger. The fleet would then carry troops and landing craft to recover a forward base such as Weihaiwei. Strike carriers arriving behind it could attack the Japanese fleet in harbour or force it into battle before a blockade began. Early destruction of enough Japanese strength might then release British capital ships for the simultaneous German and Italian threats.
Chapter · 41:28-43:02
Battle carriers were meant to fight through to Singapore
British reinforcements would use protected carriers to survive the approach, recover a forward base, and bring strike carriers close enough to force the fleet decision.