In 1941, Ark Royal and Force H could move north as a reserve behind several carrier hunting groups. British doctrine favoured a night attack against an enemy carrier, supported by flying experience and radar that Germany lacked. Graf Zeppelin’s first strike could launch successfully, though the machinery might not sustain the same performance on a second day. A damaged carrier would lose aviation effectiveness and become a slow burden on its escorts. Rodney and Nelson could then catch the task force and enter the pursuit.
Chapter · 33:37-37:32
The night-strike danger to Graf Zeppelin
A detected German carrier would face a major 1941 risk from Royal Navy night strikes, which could damage it and slow its whole task force.