A rapid Japanese attempt to contest Singapore might defeat HMS Hermes if it catches her in daylight. If she avoids that encounter, a small Swordfish night strike could instead damage the attackers, although success is uncertain. Cruisers, submarines, minelaying ships, sloops, flying boats, and land-based Vickers Vildebeest torpedo bombers also complicate the approach. Reinforcing carriers such as Ark Royal and Glorious would add Sea Gladiators and Skuas to the defense. Even equal carrier losses favor Britain in this scenario because its industry can replace ships more readily while Japan is blockaded; American participation makes that imbalance larger. The dash runs against Japan's preferred strategy and is the least likely of the four proposed carrier-battle scenarios.
Notable Point · 1:25:33-1:29:25
A carrier dash toward Singapore risks mines and submarines
The least likely Japanese carrier option sends Akagi and Soryu toward Singapore through a defended approach crowded with British submarines, mines, aircraft, and reconnaissance.