Prewar planners considered the possibility that Singapore could fall. The Royal Navy maintained Ceylon as a fallback and examined scenarios in which Singapore, Hong Kong, or other forward positions were lost. A powerful theater hub did not have to remain available throughout the war for it to be useful. The Singapore strategy was a layered plan with contingencies, rather than a wager on one invulnerable fortress.
Notable Point · 34:20-35:34
Ceylon made Singapore's loss a planned contingency
Royal Navy planners considered the possible loss of Singapore and Hong Kong and prepared Ceylon as a fallback base.