Q&A · 2:32:36-2:33:35

Prince of Wales and Repulse as ABDA's command core

A Force Z survival scenario emphasizes coalition command capacity as much as the two capital ships' firepower.

Question

What if Prince of Wales and Repulse survived and were available to ABDA Command?

Short answer

Their presence could draw more Eastern Fleet units forward and give Admiral Phillips a flagship large enough to coordinate British, Dutch, American, and Australian staffs.

Notes

Prince of Wales offers enough staff space for a multinational headquarters. Phillips could bring British, Dutch, American, and Australian liaison officers together aboard one flagship. That arrangement would give ABDA's disparate navies a stronger centre for planning and coordination. The survival of both capital ships could also encourage reinforcements intended for the Eastern Fleet to move forward sooner.