Vernon's expedition tied down roughly a quarter of the active Royal Navy's warships. That commitment left the Mediterranean squadron too weak to prevent Spain sending about 25,000 troops to Italy in November and December 1741. The arrival of those supplied troops affected the Italian campaign. Lestock's return to Britain and the refitting of his ships later allowed the Navy to strengthen its Mediterranean force and prevent further reinforcements. Cartagena's costs therefore included lost opportunities to influence another theater while the expedition remained overseas.
Notable Point · 2:19:23-2:20:17
The Caribbean commitment weakens the Mediterranean squadron
Committing about a quarter of active Royal Navy warships to the Caribbean left too little strength to stop Spanish troop movements to Italy in late 1741.