Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:01:57-2:02:32

A Royal Navy version of the Doolittle Raid

A British equivalent would need one of the fleet's larger carriers, possibly a pair of armoured carriers, to launch Mosquitos on the strike.

Aircraft CarriersAlternate HistoryDe Havilland MosquitoDoolittle RaidNaval AviationRoyal Navy
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Question

What carriers and aircraft might the Royal Navy use for a British version of the Doolittle Raid?

Short answer

A large fleet carrier or pair of armoured carriers would launch Mosquitos, with Ark Royal a possibility only if she were available.

Notes

The Royal Navy could have attempted a Doolittle-style raid if the opportunity existed. Ark Royal would be a candidate if available, though her presence at the required moment is uncertain. The alternative is one of the larger armoured carriers, perhaps using a pair to support the operation. The striking aircraft in this counterfactual would be de Havilland Mosquitos rather than the American B-25s.