Britain's global network distinguishes entry bases from forward bases

The British Empire had to sustain forces worldwide through bases, dominion facilities, merchant shipping, and linked industrial systems. Singapore, Alexandria, and Gibraltar served chiefly as theatre-entry bases. Malta was the more exposed forward base for Mediterranean operations, while Scapa Flow supported the defence of Britain's northern approaches. Hong Kong and Weihaiwei were expected to fall early in a war with Japan, increasing the importance of Singapore as the concentration point for the main fleet. Dominion infrastructure extended the network, though capital-ship and carrier support required political coordination and funding beyond each dominion's local needs.