Q&A · 3:44:39-3:55:03

Why Force H would choose a Yorktown-class carrier

A Yorktown-class ship best matches Ark Royal and could strengthen Mers-el-Kebir, Taranto, Atlantic interception, and Force H maintenance coverage.

Question

Which American carrier would Britain borrow for six months in 1940, and how would it use her?

Short answer

A Yorktown-class carrier, probably Enterprise by the audience vote, would reinforce Force H and expand British options from Mers-el-Kebir to Taranto.

Notes

Among the American carriers available in 1940, a Yorktown-class ship comes closest to British fleet-carrier requirements and can keep pace with Force H. Its second deck and air group could make Mers-el-Kebir more decisive and give attacks on Italian ports greater weight. It could also release Ark Royal for Taranto-related missions or provide the maintenance cover historically missing at Gibraltar. British aircraft and crews would likely be integrated because American aviators could not acquire Royal Navy night-operating proficiency within a six-month loan.