Near misses around the Battle of Calabria displaced parts of Eagle's aviation-fuel system, causing contamination and leaking pipes. Further near misses and heavy seas worsened the problem until the carrier presented a serious fire risk. Eagle had already been worked hard in peacetime and was due for replacement before war extended the demands on her. She nevertheless improved a Swordfish-only air group by assembling crated Sea Gladiators intended for training. This improvised fighter element gave her a capability absent from the original air-group arrangement.
Notable Point · 35:46-39:15
Eagle's fuel leaks strain an ageing carrier
Bombing damage and heavy service aggravated Eagle's fuel system even as an improvised Sea Gladiator group increased her usefulness.