Churchill's decision to base capital ships at Singapore shaped Phillips's immediate dilemma. Leaving them in port during the invasion of Malaya became politically and operationally difficult. Japanese planners anticipated that Force Z would respond and adapted their invasion and air plans accordingly. The sortie followed from the forward deployment as well as Phillips's immediate command decision.
Notable Point · 26:40-27:20
Forward deployment made a response unavoidable
Churchill's decision to base capital ships at Singapore created both an obligation to act and a predictable opportunity for Japanese planners.