IC: my source apparently is a little more reliable than yours though, because mine understand that the AW101s were not replaced, but simply combined under a unified command; the Royal Navy because they are a superior naval helicopter. Is there a Naval Chinook yet??? Ever??? wonder why a 50yr old design (Chinook) hasn't ever transitioned to a naval domain.....
Easy to call ANY helicopter "performance limited" when compared to a heavy lift helicopter.
As far as buying US-made Chinooks, at least the Brits live up to their commitments, unlike the U.S. who let pure political pressure drive acquisition decisions.