The flare aircraft approached over Cape San Vito and dropped their lights beyond the target rather than directly above it. This placement silhouetted the Italian battleships for torpedo crews attacking from the darker direction. The bright curtain also attracted gunners' attention and interfered with their ability to pick out aircraft against the darkness. Bombing near the fuel and seaplane facilities added fires, smoke, gun flashes, and visual confusion. The tactic joined illumination and deception so the same supporting aircraft could improve target identification while making defence harder.
Notable Point · 1:56:27-1:57:50
How flares silhouetted the Italian battle fleet
Flares beyond the harbour backlit the battleships, drew defensive attention, and made the dark attacking aircraft harder to distinguish.