The Italian battleships were not aligned in a simple row like the ships at Pearl Harbor; their positions made sense for the anchorage but produced awkward geometry for defence. Low-flying torpedo aircraft could place another warship, harbour installation, or the town behind the target from a gunner's perspective. Heavy shells that passed over or fell short could therefore cause friendly damage, while even smaller rounds remained dangerous in the confines of the port. The need to identify a safe shot encouraged gunners to aim high or hesitate, reducing the practical value of an otherwise powerful anti-aircraft broadside.
Notable Point · 1:18:51-1:20:56
A crowded anchorage restricts Italian fields of fire
Taranto's irregularly spaced battleships created dangerous firing arcs in which missed shots could strike another ship or the town.