The fleet train needed a pause to gather fresh supplies because its few small, slow tankers could no longer keep the carriers replenished. Aircrews were showing strain, and British aircraft, particularly the Seafire, demanded more maintenance than their American counterparts. Smaller British flight-deck parties drew help from other departments to maintain the required flying tempo. At Leyte, replenishment continued day and night, so arrival in port offered little recreation. Illustrious's fighter formations had exceeded their accepted operational tour, and the carrier herself needed a refit. Formidable replaced her before the fleet resumed operations against the Sakishima airfields.
Notable Point · 2:14:41-2:16:37
Fleet train and maintenance limits constrain British Pacific sorties
The British Pacific Fleet's endurance was limited by tankers, repair needs, aircraft reliability, and smaller deck-handling parties.