All three major carrier navies considered armoured-flight-deck concepts, but British operating requirements made the choice especially attractive. Mediterranean carriers could not escape land-based aviation, while Far Eastern carriers might fight far from major repair facilities. The design therefore emphasized surviving damage, remaining repairable, and continuing a global campaign rather than specializing in one sea. This global requirement distinguishes a design that happened to suit Mediterranean fighting from one created only to fight Italy. It also explains why Britain adopted an option that American and Japanese naval architects could examine without selecting for their own immediate plans.
Chapter · 20:43-23:37
Why Britain chose armoured carriers
Armoured carrier design answered both land-based air attack in the Mediterranean and scarce repair support in the Far East.