In this interpretation, Force Z's limited support grew partly out of earlier British procurement decisions. Chatfield's acceptance of 14-inch guns as an arms-control gesture committed the King George V class to a troublesome quadruple turret and delayed the ships. Triple 15- or 16-inch mounts were alternatives, while the hoped-for reduction in other navies' gun calibres did not follow. Carrier shortages are also linked to limited Fleet Air Arm personnel and Churchill's interruption of capital-ship construction early in the war. His decision is compared with a First World War halt made on Beatty's advice.
Notable Point · 45:11-46:26
Force Z, gun choices, and interrupted carrier construction
Criticism of the King George V gun choice and interrupted carrier construction links procurement decisions to the forces available in Southeast Asia.