Success would attract more resources because Allied commanders tend to reinforce a line that appears capable of holding. Possible reinforcements include HMS Warspite, HMS Formidable, and perhaps USS Saratoga, alongside Dutch and Australian ships concentrating around Singapore. The base would remain under frequent Japanese air attack, as Alexandria, Gibraltar, Scapa Flow, and British east-coast bases were, but could still support short operational turnarounds. Major refits and extended maintenance would move to India or Australia rather than trying to make Singapore a safe rear-area yard. A surviving carrier could therefore convert Singapore from an isolated fortress into the forward hub of an expanding Allied fleet.
Notable Point · 1:07:30-1:09:03
A surviving Singapore would attract Allied fleet reinforcements
A line that appeared capable of holding could draw British, American, Dutch, and Australian warships to Singapore while India and Australia handled major refits.