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Posted by David on December 12, 2024, 10:24:21, in reply to "Re: December 10"
night battle against the Japanese without night fighter cover. 
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Churchill (and the Allies at that time) underestimated the potency of air power). He put two valuable capital ships in harms way without air cover. There should have been an aircraft carrier with Force Z - one was scheduled but, "The new aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable was allocated to Force G, but whilst working up off Jamaica, she had run aground in the entrance to Kingston harbour on 3 November 1941.(Wikipedia)
He should have at least provided air cover from Singapore (old, obsolete Brewster Buffalos) - which could have at least given the Prince of Wales and Repulse a fighting chance. The lessons learned here were not lost on the Allies (especially the U.S.) as no capital ship in the future went into battle without air cover. Previous Message
Jon,
In what way do you think they were misused? Would like to hear more about your thoughts.
Thanks,
Art Previous Message
Indeed it is. What a terrible waste of 2 capital ships. Entirely mis-used IMHO.
Yes, I know no capital ship had been sunk underway by aircraft up to that point, so there was a bit of mis-placed confidence that is easily understood. Previous Message
I believe this is the anniversary of the loss of the Prince of Wales and Repulse.
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