Britain expected any opening Far East fight to begin with dispersed forces and thin supporting infrastructure. Unicorn's workshops, spares, and ability to maintain aircraft made her more valuable there than in the Mediterranean, where established bases could supply many of the same services. Had war begun later, she was the likely carrier-support ship for the station and could sustain herself while backing cruiser and aviation operations. Her mobility would also let her support the heavier fleet when reinforcements arrived. This projected role connects the ship's forward-support classification to the geography and logistics of British Far East strategy.
Notable Point · 52:36-54:15
Why Unicorn belonged in the Far East
Unicorn's workshops and stores were most valuable where British carrier aircraft could not rely on a dense network of bases and depots.