Originally Posted by
MAINJAFAD
That would be the former Major Denis Healy MBE (Military Division) RE who was in Combined Operations in the Med between 1942 and 1945. He actually admits with hindsight that canning the Carriers was a bad idea, but at the time the country couldn't afford to have a viable force (more than one). This is worth a read.
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documen...or-Defence.pdf
As a further point, the basis of the RAF moving an island on a map story is covered here. Let's just say it wasn't Australia, and it was the incompetence of an Wing Commander, more than a conspiracy within the upper reaches of the Air Staff.
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documen...cy-1962-65.pdf
"I shall not attempt to draw extended lessons from this trio ofprojects; but in the round, I suggest, they brought home to us that theUK simply could no longer afford to develop and pay for the ideal.Each of the three aimed for too much. We had to settle for thepracticable and affordable good, rather than the theoretical best; and Isuppose that was a necessary lesson."
Interesting summary from Sir Michael Quinlan which highlights that while Services wanted everything there was simply nothing there to pay for it.