How did limited overseas support and the number of available carriers affect British operations?
Short answerTrincomalee had some support, but a larger carrier inventory would let pairs operate together, providing the fighters, spares, and scale needed for more sustainable air cover.
NotesThe question compares the British position at Trincomalee with the much deeper support available at San Diego or Manus. The eastern base had limitations, although Britain could and did send some support there. At fleet scale, uninterrupted construction could make carrier pairs available in theaters such as the Mediterranean. Two decks provide more fighters, spares, and operating capacity than an isolated carrier, reducing the chance that one setback removes all air cover. Carrier numbers mattered both for presence in more places and for sustaining combat power once deployed.