If Force Z survived, it could anchor an Allied carrier force

If Force Z survived but Admiral Phillips was killed, who might take command and how would the next six months change?

Noble or Somerville are plausible commanders, and the surviving capital ships could attract Allied carrier reinforcements and become the core of a stronger ABDA force.

Admiral Sir Percy Noble or Admiral Sir James Somerville are proposed as the likely senior replacements, with a local chief of staff acting until one arrived. Surviving Prince of Wales and Repulse would create an immediate threat in the South China Sea and give Allied carriers a reason to reinforce the theatre. Saratoga, Indomitable, and Illustrious could operate with the capital ships while Japan considered sending heavier units. Force Z might then become the core of a much stronger ABDA command.