How would the Pacific war change if Italy remained neutral and there were no Mediterranean theatre?
Short answerBritain could shift more ships and carriers toward home and Far Eastern waters, but it would lose Mediterranean operational experience that helped develop naval aviation.
NotesModernized Queen Elizabeths and King George Vs would be freer for home waters, while older ships could still deter in the Mediterranean or Far East. Nelson, Rodney, Ark Royal, Eagle, and other capital ships might form a stronger Indian Ocean force as insurance against later threats. Britain would also avoid some Mediterranean carrier losses. Fewer operations there, however, would reduce the practical experience that historically accelerated naval-aviation development.