The R-class ships concentrated at Ceylon as Britain tried to deter Japan, while Prince of Wales and Repulse went separately to Singapore. Concentrating Force Z at Ceylon first might have allowed carrier support, repairs, and working arrangements with the Royal Air Force before a forward deployment. After the loss of Prince of Wales and Repulse, Admiral James Somerville divided the Eastern Fleet into a fast carrier-centered Force A and a slower Force B built around Revenge and her sisters. The R-class ships could not catch Japanese Kongo-class battlecruisers, but their armor and guns made a decision to stand and fight them dangerous. Revenge continued valuable convoy work, including Operation Pamphlet's return of the battle-experienced Australian 9th Division from Egypt.
Chapter · 1:17:25-1:20:28
Revenge anchors Eastern Fleet Force B
Sent to the Indian Ocean, Revenge became the center of Admiral Somerville's slower Force B and later escorted Australian troops home.