An illustrative 800-day building schedule could complete Ceylon in July 1941, Argonaut in January 1942, Bermuda in February 1942, and Diadem in March 1942. These are counterfactual completion dates for Dido- and Crown Colony-class ships. New cruisers could reduce dependence on elderly C-class antiaircraft conversions in critical roles. Earlier ships would also give a Far Eastern force cruisers to accompany its capital ships and improve its defense. The scenario's heavier Taranto strike and successful Atlantic battle would reduce commitments in those theaters, releasing further ships. Mediterranean operations could then become more heavily centered on cruiser forces.
Notable Point · 1:05:17-1:06:38
Earlier cruisers could give Force Z a proper screen
An illustrative 800-day cruiser schedule would reduce dependence on elderly antiaircraft conversions and provide modern cruisers for Far Eastern deployments.