Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 48:27-48:57

Why the Admiralty wanted more than two battleships at Singapore

The preferred reinforcement concept resembled a strengthened Force H rather than two unsupported capital ships.

Aircraft CarriersDamage ControlForce HForce ZHMS Ark RoyalRoyal NavySingapore
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Question

Did the Admiralty consider sending two R-class battleships east, or was that judged too weak?

Short answer

It was discussed, but the Admiralty preferred a carrier-supported force resembling an expanded Force H.

Notes

Sending two R-class battleships to Singapore was considered, but the prospect of leaving two ships there alone was unwelcome. The Admiralty wanted a carrier as part of the deployment. Its proposal resembled Force H reinforced with another carrier and two additional capital ships. The intended reinforcement was therefore a broader force with naval aviation.