What should Glorious have done differently before her encounter with Scharnhorst and Gneisenau?
Short answerShe should have remained with stronger escorts and flown reconnaissance, giving her earlier warning, room to divert, and time to call for support.
NotesA safer force package for Glorious would include a heavy cruiser, four destroyers, and active air reconnaissance. Aircraft could spot Scharnhorst and Gneisenau much farther away than surface lookouts. That warning would give the carrier time to divert, call for help, and avoid an isolated encounter. Scouting and escort composition mattered more here than the carrier's individual fighting qualities.