A British victory during the Indian Ocean raid depends on night fighting rather than a daylight contest. British carriers could launch long-range night strikes when Japanese combat air patrols and fighter direction were least effective, then retire before daylight retaliation. A successful first attack might remove several Japanese carriers, after which another night strike could finish the weakened force. In daylight, Japanese aircraft numbers would reverse the balance and make the British position precarious. Doctrine and time of day can temporarily outweigh a large numerical disadvantage.
Notable Point · 2:54:16-2:56:03
A Royal Navy night-strike answer to Operation C
Britain's plausible route to defeating the Japanese carrier force in the Indian Ocean depended on repeated night attacks and withdrawal.