Notable Point · 1:49:24-1:51:24

Could experienced forces from Egypt reach Malaya in time?

The counterfactual connects Italian withdrawal with reinforcement from Egypt and a stronger defence of Malaya.

Notes

Troops released in Egypt could embark near Suez and head for the Far East. The proposed timetable puts reinforcements and stronger command in Malaya before Singapore's fall in February 1942. The Desert Rats provide the concrete example of an experienced armoured formation that might be sent. Jungle terrain is acknowledged as an imperfect setting for armour, but the scenario expects those troops to present Japanese forces with a much harder fight. Italian withdrawal is judged the most plausible of the scenarios considered and expected to shorten the war.