British planners did not treat heavy bombers simply as a cheap substitute for capital ships. The bomber force was intended to carry much of the European war so that the fleet could move to the Far East. Strategic bombing theory drew heavily on Giulio Douhet and Hugh Trenchard, but the Air Ministry still recognized the range limits of existing aircraft. Bombers capable of fighting effectively in Europe could support the naval plan without being suitable for distant operations in Asia. The two forces therefore had complementary roles in the wider strategy.
Notable Point · 2:33:07-2:34:03
Bombers could free the fleet for the Far East
British strategic bombers were meant to carry much of the European war and release naval strength for the Far East, where existing bombers lacked the necessary range.