Without Lion, Britain would initially retain four ships against Germany's three in this comparison. The balance would later become at least five to four, with Australia's possible return adding another option. Derfflinger's September commissioning did not make her immediately ready for operations, because testing still had to follow. Her practical availability in November or December would fall around the time Tiger worked up. Sending Lion to the Mediterranean therefore need not remove the British numerical margin.
Notable Point · 28:08-30:19
Could the Grand Fleet spare Lion?
Britain could send Lion south while retaining a numerical margin over German battlecruisers, provided ship availability was measured by practical readiness.