The invasion planning described here anticipated kamikaze attacks putting American carriers out of action within days of the landings. Shore airfields might take until D+4 or later to become usable, leaving amphibious and supply shipping, as well as forces ashore, dependent on carrier cover. Armoured British decks and any US Midway-class ships ready in time offered a better chance of sustaining operations after hits, although they could not guarantee it. A screen with the heaviest practical anti-aircraft battery, including Battle-class destroyers, was intended to help keep those carriers in action.
Notable Point · 1:25:37-1:27:35
Carrier air cover for the planned invasion of Japan
British armoured-deck carriers and a dense anti-aircraft screen were intended to help cover the landings before aircraft could operate ashore.