Matthew Warwick's research provides a May 1939 projection of Royal Navy deployments for 1942. Britain planned separately for an Axis war or a Far Eastern war, while simultaneous conflict with every opponent required a much larger fleet. The recalled figures are approximate: the combined requirement rose from about twenty-one to twenty-eight capital ships, with eight additional carriers and roughly twenty to thirty more cruisers. HMS Unicorn's inclusion among the aviation assets places aircraft maintenance and support ships inside force planning.
Notable Point · 39:26-40:52
The fleet Britain needed for two theatres
A May 1939 planning comparison shows why deterring either an Axis or Far Eastern war was cheaper than preparing to fight both at once.