Force A operated roughly two hundred miles east of Malta while Fulmars and Sea Gladiators intercepted aircraft trying to report its position. Many of the scouts were armed seaplanes with limited speed and altitude, well within the capabilities of both British fighters. By 9 November, Italian leaders could see activity elsewhere but had little dependable information from the waters surrounding Illustrious. Without a reliable target position, they could not judge the risks of sending out the Taranto fleet or direct bombers effectively. The fighter patrols helped keep the carrier force concealed until it could strike.
Notable Point · 1:36:52-1:38:25
Carrier fighters create a reconnaissance blind spot east of Malta
Fulmars and Sea Gladiators destroyed Italian scouts around Force A, leaving commanders aware of British movement but unable to locate the most dangerous force.