The base had the infrastructure to assess damaged ships, repair those that could be restored locally, and route others to Australia, Ceylon, or Britain. Depot ships, storage vessels, and floating dry docks could expand that capacity as the war developed. Its compact layout also made it vulnerable to air attack if the enemy reached it. The planned answer was to keep combat forces and the enemy farther forward while Singapore preserved damaged ships for return to service.
Chapter · 1:27:42-1:38:16
Singapore as a repair triage center
Singapore's docks, storage, and space for floating repair facilities made it a rearward triage center rather than a safe combat anchorage.