The loss of France and Crete put the Royal Navy's surviving Mediterranean bases at the far end of their supply routes. Gibraltar, Malta and the eastern bases still mattered, but supporting them from Britain became harder. Supplies and reinforcements either travelled around Africa or crossed a sea open to Axis attack. Lost bases therefore increased distance, escort work and risk for every base that remained.
Notable Point · 8:19-8:52
France, Crete and the Royal Navy's supply dilemma
After France and Crete fell, British Mediterranean bases sat far from their supply sources, leaving convoys to sail around Africa or fight through contested waters.