British planning divided the desired carrier force into large strike carriers, armoured battle carriers, and smaller cruiser carriers. Strike carriers supplied the large surprise air group, while battle carriers stayed close enough to support the fleet under fire. Cruiser carriers supported trade protection and dispersed cruiser operations, a role later divided between light fleet and escort carriers. Treaty tonnage and the number of hulls required forced designers to distribute air-group size, protection, and auxiliary duties among several ship types rather than build one ideal carrier.
Chapter · 1:44-5:16
How treaty limits divided British carrier roles
British strike, battle, and cruiser-carrier concepts divided the qualities that could not fit into one treaty-limited hull.