The larger German fleet makes Britain deploy capital ships in groups of three or four with carrier support. If that habit carries into the Bismarck interception, Victorious and King George V can accompany Prince of Wales and Hood. The senior admiral would lead from King George V, allowing Prince of Wales to form with her while Hood maneuvers more independently, much as Rodney did during Bismarck's final battle. The counterfactual does not guarantee Hood's survival, but it removes the exact two-ship geometry that exposed her historically.
Notable Point · 3:06:55-3:08:08
Larger British task groups could spare Hood
Earlier King George V and carrier availability turns the Denmark Strait interception from a two-ship duel into an escorted group action, changing Hood's place in the line.