Britain would retain R-class battleships to cover a surviving Giulio Cesare and watch Italian efforts to repair damaged ships or complete Roma. Cruiser warfare would remain contested. Tribal-class destroyers could threaten Italian cruisers, but British successes such as Cape Bon do not erase the assessment that many cruiser actions were evenly fought and Italy won some. Italian ships and crews were capable opponents. Available R-class ships and carriers would strengthen British cruiser forces when the strongest Italian formations appeared.
Notable Point · 1:06:41-1:07:48
Italian cruisers would remain a serious opponent
Even after a heavier Taranto strike, effective Italian cruisers would require British battleship and carrier support.