Saturday 19 March 2011

Taranto, Italy on 11th-12th November 1940

The Battle of Taranto

Attack on Taranto 1940

This famous naval battle happened on the night of 11-12 November 1940 during Great Britain's struggle with the Regia Marina (Italian navy) during World War II.  It helped the British to keep Egypt supplied during their campaign in North Africa.




With a few obsolete biplanes, carrying torpedoes, launched from an aircraft carrier; the Royal Navy wreaked havoc upon Italy's navy at anchor in the port of Taranto.

It was the first attack of its kind and demonstrated the significance of aviation power among navies. Navel aviation would rise above the big guns of battleships and serve to undo the titan battleships on a number of occasions. For the British; the Bismark would fall with the help of such methods during 1941.

The Japanese would use air power against the USA in 1941 when they attacked Pearl Harbour. However, the Americans would also demonstrate the use of navel aviation to devestating lengths later in their campaign against Japan.





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