Q&A ยท 2:51:18-2:53:06

A later war role for Courageous and Glorious

Had they survived, Courageous and Glorious could still have served usefully in Atlantic and Home Fleet tasks.

Question

What could Courageous and Glorious have done if they had survived longer?

Short answer

They could have handled Home Fleet and Atlantic missions, releasing newer armoured carriers for more demanding theatres.

Notes

The two carriers would be unsuitable for the most dangerous missions against Japan's leading carrier force. They remain adequate for Atlantic and Home Fleet operations, where no German carrier presents the same air-group challenge. Their presence could release newer armoured carriers for more demanding theatres. One might reinforce the intended multi-carrier strike at Taranto or join a northern hunting group against Bismarck. Like USS Ranger, an older carrier can remain strategically useful when assigned to a theatre and mission proportionate to its limitations.