If Taranto and the loss of Libya contain Italy, slower R-class battleships can provide sufficient heavy cover in the Mediterranean. Faster Queen Elizabeth-class ships, carriers, and other modern units can move into an Indian Ocean reserve. Djibouti or Ceylon keeps them beyond routine Axis air attack while leaving routes open both west and east. This exchanges unnecessary forward exposure for a mobile concentration that can answer the more dangerous theater.
Chapter · 45:19-46:27
Capital ships shift toward the Indian Ocean
A weakened Italy allows older battleships to hold the Mediterranean while modern units form a mobile Indian Ocean reserve.