Italian control of the central Mediterranean forced much Allied shipping away from the Suez route and around the Cape of Good Hope. Supplies bound for the Soviet Union through Persia, the war in Burma, India, and Australia consequently passed close to Madagascar. A Japanese occupation was considered unlikely, but even a small foothold could disrupt several critical sea lanes at once. Retaking the island would also consume landing ships, escorts, carriers, battleships, and troops needed for Operation Torch and other campaigns. The strategic case for Ironclad therefore rested on the enormous consequences of leaving the island vulnerable, not simply on the probability of an immediate Japanese landing.
Chapter · 3:35-7:49
Why Madagascar mattered to Allied sea lanes
Madagascar sat beside the Cape route carrying supplies to India, Persia, Burma, Australia, and the wider Allied war effort.