Nelson and King George V guarded against a German heavy-unit response but remained far from the landing area. Even the cruisers providing intermediate cover withdrew before the assault, while HMS Sunfish mainly served as a navigational beacon. Princess Beatrix and Queen Emma carried the assault force, and four Tribal-class destroyers plus HMS Legion provided close escort, command facilities, and gunfire. The distinction separates strategic insurance from the small, operationally self-contained group that actually entered the Lofoten Islands in March 1941.
Chapter · 34:28-37:24
Operation Claymore's real landing force
The Lofoten raid depended directly on Beatrix, Emma, four Tribal-class destroyers, and HMS Legion, while the battlefleet cover remained distant.