HMS Formidable repeatedly operated in the Indian Ocean during February and March 1941, evidence that the theatre already required carrier support. A carrier with Force Z might have improved fighter direction, defensive coordination, and access to land-based air support, although it could not guarantee survival. Hermes supplied a smaller carrier capability for raider hunting and operations connected with the return to Italian Somaliland. Britain did not have enough carriers to maintain that strength in the ocean while meeting demands elsewhere.
Notable Point · 39:58-41:40
What Formidable reveals about Indian Ocean carrier scarcity
Formidable's repeated 1941 missions and Hermes's raider-hunting role show both the value of carrier air power and the shortage that prevented a permanent strong deployment.