The current influence of the navy on the South African situation cannot play a dominant role, mainly due to Britain's lack of a stable stronghold in nearby waters. Historically, the British annexed Zanzibar to restrain German East Africa, but now Zanzibar has long since fallen to East Africa.
The absence of Zanzibar as a strategic pivot has led to a loss of British naval power throughout the Western Indian Ocean. British naval forces in the South African region are primarily concentrated in Cape Town, but influenced by the Suez Canal, these forces have not seen much growth over the years.
On the contrary, the strength of the naval forces in Alexandria, British Somaliland, and the Mediterranean Fleet has been comprehensively enhanced, reflecting the importance of the Red Sea route.
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Compared to the navy's performance, the army is the mainstay of this South African war. As the Battle of Lamu Bay began, the Allies launched attacks on East African soil from multiple regions.
