Ark Royal's large practical strike group grew from the Royal Navy's interwar harbour-attack studies and was no secret to foreign observers. Professional papers, parliamentary discussion, and fleet exercises all made her place in British carrier doctrine legible. Plans placed Ark Royal, Courageous, and Glorious at the core of a multi-carrier strike system able to operate in northern waters, the Mediterranean, or the Far East. During Operation MB8, Ark Royal attacked Cagliari while covering movements from Gibraltar, then visibly withdrew. Italian commanders relaxed because they expected a Taranto strike only if the famous strike carrier joined the Mediterranean Fleet. The deception exploited an accurate enemy understanding of Ark Royal's intended role while Illustrious delivered the unexpected attack.
Notable Point · 41:42-45:17
Ark Royal's advertised strike role became part of the deception
Italy watched Ark Royal because Britain had openly developed her as a fleet-strike carrier, allowing her movements to distract from Illustrious.