Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 33:23-34:45

Why two Illustrious carriers beat Yorks or a few escorts

Two Illustrious-class fleet carriers are preferred to six York-class cruisers or six escort carriers because the Yorks sacrifice too much for too little saving.

Aircraft CarriersEscort CarriersIllustrious Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal NavyYork Class Cruisers
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Question

Would the Royal Navy rather have two Illustrious carriers, six Yorks, or six Rulers in 1938?

Short answer

Two Illustrious-class carriers; Yorks are poor value and six escort carriers do not compensate for losing two armored fleet carriers.

Notes

The Yorks are criticized as nearly as expensive as Counties while being slower and less heavily armed. Escort carriers can be extremely valuable, but the number offered is too small to justify giving up two modern armored fleet carriers. Illustrious-class ships bring speed, protection, and concentrated air power that the smaller alternatives cannot reproduce in this package. The choice follows intended operational effect, not merely hull count.