alternatehistory.com

In 40, Caligula organized an expedition to conquer Britain and cement his credentials, but the legionaries, like they did later in 43 under Claudius, probably mutinied, refusing to cross the Channel because of some superstition. Unable to convince them unlike Narcissus was later, Caligula in his usual way, decides to humiliate the soldiers hence the shells episode.
I wonder if he had been able to convince the soldiers to cross and invade Britain, he could not only have conquered something to add to his glory, but this could have delayed his death by scaling down his actions against the Senate, since he could here pretend to triumph that was refused to him IOTL. He could have, like Jonathan Edelstein suggested in a thread of his own, further implemented political reforms, restoring popular elections for offices.

Another question is about Caligula's abilities in the field of military operations. His name went from the time past in his infancy among soldiers accompanying his father Germanicus, but that isn't really a valuable training. Would he has been up for the task of commanding legions invading Britain, smart enough to follow advices from generals? How would he treat the defeated people? I note that he wouldn't be necessarily merciless, needing prisoners for a doubtless monumental triumph and not less monumental public games, but the whole political settlement is another matter. Also, would he stay in Britain just enough time to claim glory as Claudius did or would he stay longer?
Top