Force A sailed from Alexandria with Illustrious, Warspite, Valiant, Malaya, Ramillies, and a destroyer screen, while Eagle remained behind because sailing under air attack with leaking aviation-fuel lines was an unacceptable risk. Eagle nevertheless sent six Swordfish, eight crews, and two Sea Gladiators to Illustrious. The fighters supplemented Illustrious's Fulmars and joined the effort to suppress Italian reconnaissance, showing that the raid depended on protective aviation as well as torpedo bombers. The two Sea Gladiators were kept in the deck park and took part in shooting down Italian scouts.
Notable Point · 1:26:24-1:29:18
Eagle reinforces Illustrious despite staying in port
Eagle's leaking fuel system kept her out of Force A, but she transferred aircraft and crews that directly strengthened Illustrious's strike and fighter cover.