How would the war change if Britain completed two Ark Royals and the first was still lost historically?
Short answerThe second could amplify Taranto, strengthen the Bismarck chase, or give Force Z carrier air cover, with consequences well beyond one extra hull.
NotesA second Ark Royal would create more than one isolated carrier sortie because it also brings trained aircrews, maintainers, and carrier damage-control specialists. Pulsed into the Mediterranean, it could add dozens of Swordfish to the Taranto strike and inflict much heavier damage on the Italian fleet. Retained in northern waters, it could give the Bismarck hunt a mature air group when Victorious was still working up. Sent east, it could become the carrier core of Force Z and materially change the defense of Malaya, though submarine loss or battle damage could still erase the advantage.