Q&A ยท 11:28:57-11:29:49

Wake Island relief and the limits of reinforcement

Relief is considered possible, but limited space and defensive preparation constrain its value.

Question

Could a force reinforce Wake Island in 1941 without losing Saratoga?

Short answer

Yes in the answer's judgment, although limited space and defensible terrain make earlier preparation important.

Notes

A relief force reaching Wake without losing Saratoga is considered possible. The larger difficulty is what reinforcements could accomplish on an island with little space and limited defensible terrain. Earlier investment, around 1939, is proposed as the more useful preparation.