Additional carriers could let Ark Royal return to Britain from her demanding Force H duties at Gibraltar. A carrier on the North Atlantic station still had substantial responsibilities, but its tempo could provide more room for maintenance than Ark Royal's Mediterranean employment. Repairs could restore her condition before the next major operation. The resulting 1941 force might combine Ark Royal and a fully worked-up air group with three King George V-class fast battleships. Earlier construction would change both the ships available and their readiness when a German sortie required a response.
Notable Point · 28:37-29:23
A rested Ark Royal could join a stronger Atlantic battle group
Extra carriers could release Ark Royal from Force H for repairs, then place her beside three modern British battleships in 1941.