HMS Formidable did not belong close to a surface gun line. Her guns were standard anti-aircraft weapons, not a heavy battery that made the carrier suitable for exchanging fire. Other commanders were already trying to order her away, and the admiral eventually had to intervene directly. The presence of guns on a carrier should not be confused with a battle-line role.
Notable Point · 1:01:15-1:01:36
Why HMS Formidable was ordered away from gunfire
Formidable's anti-aircraft guns did not make the carrier a battle-line gunship, and senior command had to order her away from the firing line.