11th/12th Nov. 1940.
Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 8:45 pmThe attack that inspired Pearl Harbour, and the blow that knocked the Italian Navy out of the Medittereanian war.
12 Swordfish from the carrier Illustrious attack the Italian battleships in the port of Taranto sinking one and damaging two others. Effectively removing half of Italy's naval strenght.
British losses were two Swordfish lost with two men killed and two captured.
"Taranto, and the night of November 11th - 12th, 1940, should be remembered for ever as having shown once and for all that in the Fleet Air Arm the Navy has its most devastating weapon."
Andrew Browne Cunningham, 1st Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope - Admiral
12 Swordfish from the carrier Illustrious attack the Italian battleships in the port of Taranto sinking one and damaging two others. Effectively removing half of Italy's naval strenght.
British losses were two Swordfish lost with two men killed and two captured.
"Taranto, and the night of November 11th - 12th, 1940, should be remembered for ever as having shown once and for all that in the Fleet Air Arm the Navy has its most devastating weapon."
Andrew Browne Cunningham, 1st Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope - Admiral
