Operation Halberd was larger and more complicated than Substance, with many more destroyers, submarines, air attacks, and heavy covering ships. The outer cover included HMS Ark Royal with the battleships HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Rodney, and HMS Nelson. Rear Admiral Burrough flew his flag in HMS Kenya, a new Crown Colony-class cruiser with staff space but a smaller profile than Edinburgh. After part of the force turned toward the Italian fleet, HMS Edinburgh and HMS Kenya led a concentrated close escort onward toward Malta. The northern side again carried substantial firepower against the expected surface threat while minesweepers and destroyers covered other dangers. An air-centric convoy battle could still require battleships and cruisers ready for a surface engagement.
Chapter · 40:43-48:02
Operation Halberd against air and surface threats
Halberd assembled battleships, a carrier, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and aircraft because the convoy faced repeated air attack and a possible clash with the Italian battle fleet.