The intended method was not a daylight exchange inside Japanese aircraft range. Somerville's force was supposed to remain elusive while reconnaissance maintained enough contact to plan an attack. British carriers could then strike at night, withdraw before daylight, and repeat if conditions allowed. The doctrine depended on intelligence, timing, communications discipline, and resisting the temptation to expose scattered ships for short-term gains.
Notable Point · 47:39-48:16
Somerville's intended answer: evade by day and strike at night
The planned British response to Japanese air power was to avoid daylight exposure, then use night strikes and withdraw.