A carrier protects Force Z and threatens Japan's invasion fleet

What if a carrier had accompanied Force Z with fighters and reconnaissance aircraft in 1941?

Force Z probably survives the air attack, finds Japanese invasion shipping, and delays the Malayan campaign, though Singapore is not automatically saved.

The attacking Japanese bombers were unescorted and, in this account, had removed defensive armament to carry fuel for the long flight. Carrier fighters could disrupt the attack and prevent the loss of Prince of Wales and Repulse. Organic reconnaissance would also give Force Z a better chance of finding Japanese invasion and supply shipping. Striking those ships could slow the advance through Malaya. Whether Singapore survives remains disputed: one view expects its dependence on mainland water to remain decisive. The other argues that a delay of one or two months could allow reinforcements, better organization and changes of command, while defended reservoirs and artillery support could reduce the water problem. Civilian leaders' wish to avoid damage to Malaya would still complicate the defence.