British plans assumed that the Far East command would begin a war outnumbered and unable to contest a decisive fleet action. Cruisers and a cruiser carrier would disperse into economic warfare, forcing Japan either to divide its fleet in pursuit or tolerate continuing losses. A lone battleship could symbolize strength but could neither match the Japanese battle line nor create the same wide operational problem. This opening phase was a form of delay and sea denial rather than an attempt to win the war immediately. Its purpose was to keep Japanese forces occupied until a heavier British fleet could arrive.
Chapter · 37:41-39:25
Commerce raiders formed Britain's first Far East phase
Dispersed cruisers and a carrier were meant to attack commerce, divide the Japanese fleet, and buy time for British reinforcements rather than fight an unwinnable opening battle.