Could a British force defeat Japan at Surigao Strait?

Would the British surface force from Mers-el-Kebir defeat the Japanese Southern Force if placed at Surigao Strait?

Probably yes. British night training, cruiser and destroyer torpedo attacks, and close-range 15-inch gunfire should destroy Fuso and Yamashiro, even if the Japanese battleships reach the final gun engagement less damaged.

Hood, Resolution, Valiant, two cruisers, and eleven destroyers give the substituted British force considerable strength. Enterprise and the F-class destroyers pose a particular threat through close-range night torpedo attacks. The capital ships would track their opponents during the approach and delay opening fire until very close range, following the night-fighting method illustrated by Cape Matapan. Fuso and Yamashiro might reach the British battleships less battered than they reached the historical American battle line, but the expectation is still that torpedoes and 15-inch gunfire would destroy them. British prewar night training supports a judgment that this force could perform at least as well as the historical force.