Base M at Kamaran Bay in the Red Sea, Base T at Addu Atoll in the Maldives, and Base W at Nancowry Harbour in the Nicobar Islands were staging points for a fleet moving toward the Far East. Seven, eight, and three tankers respectively were assigned to wait at these protected locations, allowing warships to refuel briefly and continue without routine radio traffic. Mobile naval base units could secure the secluded anchorages, reducing the chance that observers or signals intelligence would reveal the fleet’s route and composition. This system traded some flexibility of fast underway replenishment for operational security and a faster initial advance.
Notable Point · 17:31-20:36
Secret refuelling bases and the speed of advance
Concealed tanker bases offered the fleet refuelling stops without forcing it to move at tanker speed or advertise its position by radio.