Sir, – As HMS Prince of Wales prepares to deploy to the far side of the world, taking most of the key elements of our much-reduced Navy with her, it is appropriate to reflect on how many operational units will remain behind to defend the home state should the war in Europe unexpectedly broaden to encompass NATO directly. One can truthfully say ‘not a lot’; there will be a couple of frigates, perhaps a Type 45 and an SSN (on a good day) but no amphibious warfare platforms and one or possibly two RFAs at most… but there will be an SSBN on CASD patrol. The justification for 1/3rd of the def…
