Flare silhouettes and Italian anti-aircraft endurance

The first wave reaches a surprised defence, while the second faces guns that have found their rhythm and is likely to meet the heaviest fire. By the third wave, however, Italian positions that historically fired about twelve thousand rounds may be running short of ammunition. Defenders withheld their searchlights because illuminating the harbour could also expose their own ships and deepen the contrast in which aircraft could hide. British flare aircraft instead lit the water behind the anchored ships, outlining targets without placing the torpedo bombers in the brightest part of the scene. Expanding from four flare aircraft to twelve would intensify that geometry and make it harder for Italian gunners to distinguish attackers against the darkness.