The integrated carrier and capital-ship task force

The proposed task force combined one or two carriers with fast capital ships, cruisers, and destroyers, with Force H representing a bare-bones version. Aviation began the defence through reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance before an enemy could form an attack, while aircraft also contributed anti-submarine protection. Manoeuvre, fighters, heavy anti-aircraft fire, and medium anti-aircraft fire then formed successive layers intended to break a raid into manageable groups. Radar later refined this system, while Mediterranean convoy battles showed both its viability and its dependence on all the layers being present. The loss of HMS Glorious is presented as a breach of this integrated doctrine, not proof that carriers and battleships were conceived as isolated rivals.