The danger is not limited to what the German force sinks after reaching the Atlantic. Britain would need several response groups because the German ships could choose when and where to attempt a breakout. The estimate is that ten to twelve capital ships might be tied to the threat, while the Royal Navy's small pool of worked-up fleet carriers would also be heavily committed. Courageous and Glorious had already been lost, leaving Ark Royal, Illustrious, and Furious as the principal worked-up carriers in this January 1941 snapshot; Hermes, Eagle, and Argus are treated as less suitable for that fleet role while Formidable and Victorious are still arriving. The hypothetical force therefore operates as a fleet in being, consuming British strength before the Germans sail and reducing what remains for the Far East or Mediterranean.
Chapter · 19:36-21:58
A German carrier-battleship force ties down Britain
Four German battleships guided by a carrier could compel Britain to reserve multiple capital-ship and carrier groups against a breakout that might come at any time.