Force H is not Henderson's only plausible post once Fraser is ready to take over as Third Sea Lord. Sending him east to manage the growing Japanese threat would place his intelligence, diplomatic, and carrier experience at the point of greatest prewar tension. Henderson would likely press for a flight deck, and the earlier arrival of modern carriers could free Furious, Courageous, or Glorious for that duty. This remains a force-allocation possibility rather than a confident prediction, because every additional carrier changes the later reinforcement choices.
Notable Point · 1:30:54-1:31:40
A Far East posting would create a carrier demand
If Henderson went east rather than to Force H, the expanded carrier fleet could support his likely demand for an older flight deck.