Although capable of operating aircraft, Unicorn was designed as a forward aviation support ship rather than simply another light carrier. It could shuttle stores, spare parts, replacement aircraft, and new personnel between bases such as Singapore, Ceylon, or Australia and a fleet operating at sea. The ship was ordered and laid down before the Second World War, reflecting British uncertainty over whether the first major conflict would erupt in Europe or the Far East. Its specialized workshops and supply role show that sustained carrier warfare required an aviation-logistics chain as well as flight decks.
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HMS Unicorn and distant fleet aviation support
HMS Unicorn shows that sustaining carrier aviation at distance required a dedicated support ship, not just another carrier.