Q&A · 2:21:06-2:23:03

British night-flying carriers in the early Pacific War

British radar and night-flying practice could have complemented American carrier strength and produced a joint Allied task force early in the Pacific campaign.

Question

How might Royal Navy night-flying doctrine have changed the early Pacific carrier campaign?

Short answer

It could add night reconnaissance and attack options to a joint Anglo-American force, changing battles such as Coral Sea and accelerating doctrinal exchange.

Notes

Victorious's later influence on the US Navy shows that British carrier practice could transfer into an American-led force. At Coral Sea, British carriers could add night reconnaissance and strike options before the daylight battle began. Radar-equipped aircraft and established night-flying procedures might locate an enemy force while it still expected darkness to provide cover. A joint command would combine different operational strengths as well as adding more flight decks and escorts.