Mediterranean force deployment after Taranto

The historical Regia Marina could assemble a surface force much larger than Germany's and repeatedly pressed British operations. At Cape Spartivento, Italy fielded two battleships, six heavy cruisers, and fourteen destroyers, a concentration the Kriegsmarine could scarcely imagine after its losses around Norway. If that threat disappears, a Revenge-class battleship or Renown may be sufficient for local deterrence, allowing stronger units to move elsewhere. Historically, Eagle withdrew for maintenance and damage to Illustrious helped leave only one carrier available during the campaign for Crete. Continued access to three carriers could provide more fighters, spares, and operational decks in that campaign. The counterfactual changes battles as well as the allocation and readiness of British forces across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Far East. The comparison also restores the Regia Marina's scale to a discussion that often treats Germany as the only consequential Axis navy.