Illustrious is chosen for surviving the running air battle during Operation Excess, an example of an armoured carrier enduring heavy attack in favourable circumstances. SS Ohio provides another Mediterranean survival story: a civilian-built oil tanker reaching Malta after repeated hits that the panel considers sufficient to sink many warships. Ohio's merchant crew receives particular praise for continuing under those conditions. Their determination is regarded as an exceptional act of bravery.
Notable Point · 3:51-5:21
Illustrious and SS Ohio as Mediterranean survival stories
Illustrious and SS Ohio provide separate Mediterranean examples of an armoured carrier and a civilian-crewed tanker surviving repeated heavy attacks.