Henderson might have accelerated Britain's carrier programme

What would Admiral Henderson have pushed if he had overcome more interwar shipbuilding constraints?

Henderson would likely have pressed for a second Vanguard, earlier Illustrious-class carriers, and more destroyers, bringing additional flight decks and experienced personnel into service before key operations.

A second Vanguard becomes plausible if Henderson completely defeats the yard-closure pressure, but carriers and destroyers would receive his strongest support. Earlier orders could place all four Illustrious-class ships in service or close to completion by late 1939 or early 1940. Additional hulls would spread experienced personnel across more crews before Courageous and Glorious were lost, preserving institutional knowledge. One extra carrier at Taranto could enlarge the strike, while another with Hood and Prince of Wales could provide reconnaissance during the Bismarck operation. Modest changes in delivery dates can accumulate into very different wartime options.