TARANTO ‘STRINGBAG' LESSONS REVISITED

In November 80 years ago, the British launched an audacious operation that heralded a new era in naval warfare.

- Ben Ho

On the night of 11-12 November 1940, the Royal Navy executed Operation Judgement whereby aircraft from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious attacked key elements of the Italian fleet moored at Taranto, marking the first use of carrier aircraft against battleships. When the smoke had cleared, three of the six Italian warships at port had sustained heavy damage, and the Regia Marina subsequently transferred its assets at Taranto to Naples to shield them from further attacks. What is also noteworthy about Operation Judgement was the use of the venerable Fairey Swordfish biplane – just 21 of them – for the attack.