The absence of a Mediterranean fleet command frees Andrew Cunningham for a senior Far Eastern post and possible command of the Indian Ocean fleet. Norway's terrain cannot absorb formations on the scale of the North African campaign, so Britain has many more troops and commanders available. Some can remain in Britain for a future return to Europe, while others reinforce Malaya, Burma, and imperial garrisons as Japan moves into Indochina. These forces would lack some of the armored-warfare and fleet-air-defence experience historically gained around North Africa and the Mediterranean. Even so, Britain avoids the casualties, captures, dismissals, and equipment losses that depleted its historical command structure and Far Eastern readiness.
Chapter · 48:08-51:32
Cunningham and unused formations reinforce the Far East
Without the Mediterranean or North African campaigns, Andrew Cunningham and forces not needed in Norway can strengthen Malaya, Burma, and imperial garrisons.