A multi-carrier attack on Taranto could allocate Fulmars to flare dropping. With only one carrier available historically, its fighter force had to remain available for air defense. A force of three carriers could spare fighters to illuminate the targets. More Swordfish could then carry bombs or torpedoes instead of flares.
Notable Point · 2:40:18-2:40:49
Extra carriers could free Fulmars to illuminate Taranto
Fulmars dropping flares in a larger Taranto force would free more Swordfish to carry weapons.