The campaign's central logistical problem lay in Egypt, the Suez Canal, and the Mediterranean route into the Indian Ocean and Far East. That passage supported Royal Navy movements, units in India, and the later formation of the British Pacific Fleet. Traffic also moved west, bringing resources to British factories and supporting Britain's share of Lend-Lease production. Losing this route forced ships, forces, and cargo onto a much longer and more expensive journey.
Notable Point · 1:37-2:46
Suez and Britain's route back east
Britain needed Mediterranean access to resupply forces in Asia, form the British Pacific Fleet, and keep resources moving through Suez.