Q&A ยท 2:49:04-2:49:54

Britain and the Commonwealth in Operation Downfall

The projected invasion of Japan would require a large British Pacific Fleet and a substantial Commonwealth land contribution.

Question

What would Britain have contributed to Operation Downfall?

Short answer

A large British Pacific Fleet, especially armoured-deck carriers, plus a substantial British and Commonwealth land contingent.

Notes

British carriers would remain essential during the first days ashore, before land airfields were established and supplied. Their armoured decks were valued in a campaign expected to expose carriers to intense kamikaze attack. The United States would still provide the majority of the invasion force, while Britain and the Commonwealth supplied much of the remaining naval aviation and ground strength. Veteran airborne divisions could support the amphibious landings by dropping at the same time, as they had during D-Day.