Five French battleships, fourteen cruisers, dozens of destroyers and submarines, and supporting vessels had formed the western half of prewar Allied Mediterranean planning. Their disappearance forced Britain to create Force H while also maintaining the Mediterranean Fleet, Home Fleet, and commitments farther east. Retaining the French force restores numerical depth against Italy even though not every battleship is modern. It also releases British capital ships and carriers for refit, Home Fleet concentration, or service elsewhere.
Chapter · 37:48-42:38
The French fleet strength that Force H replaced
The Mediterranean inventory explains why losing France forced Britain to create Force H and stretch its capital ships.