Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:19:48-2:21:10

How might HMS Glorious surviving have changed the carrier war?

Keeping Glorious could have enlarged the Taranto strike and produced cascading effects in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

Aircraft CarriersAlternate HistoryBattle Of CreteEastern FleetHMS GloriousRoyal NavyTaranto
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Question

What might have happened if HMS Glorious were still available when Admiral King requested a British carrier?

Short answer

She could have strengthened Taranto and the Mediterranean first, with later effects on Crete and the Eastern Fleet.

Notes

A surviving Glorious would likely have reinforced the Mediterranean and might have joined Eagle and Illustrious at Taranto. A combined force could have launched roughly 72 Swordfish, increasing the chance of disabling additional Italian battleships and cruisers. Greater Italian losses could then alter the naval balance around Crete and leave a stronger British carrier force available for the Eastern Fleet. The consequences could spread across theatres rather than remain confined to one extra ship.