The attack depended on a theatre-wide fleet operation. Force H, the Mediterranean Fleet, submarines, and the intended link-up with Barham all formed interacting parts of the plan. British commanders wanted to avoid a fleet action before concentrating with Barham and before the carrier aircraft had struck their stationary targets. Eagle’s absence reduced the operation from two carriers to one, making a fleet anchored in harbour much more attractive than maneuvering warships that a smaller air group would have to find and hit at sea.
Chapter · 24:30-25:46
The strike depended on a complex fleet operation and one carrier
Force H, the Mediterranean Fleet, submarines, and Barham had to be coordinated while Eagle’s absence left the strike with a single carrier.