Cunningham gave Italian intelligence a plausible explanation for the fleet's movements: its sole available carrier was at sea to protect urgent traffic. Every convoy, reinforcement, escort, and raid was real, so the Italians could reach the wrong conclusion from truthful fragments. The crowded operational picture increased ambiguity and helped them explain away Illustrious's presence. A credible story concealed intent more effectively than an elaborate false plan.
Notable Point · 31:42-32:39
Successful deception gives the enemy a plausible story
The overlapping convoy missions worked as deception because they let Italian intelligence explain away the British fleet's presence.