At Cape Matapan, Fulmars strafed Vittorio Veneto's anti-aircraft positions while Swordfish and Albacores made torpedo attacks. The coordinated strike kept gunners occupied and gave the torpedo bombers a better chance to complete their runs. Fulmars also served on Arctic convoys and took part in Operation EF against Kirkenes and Petsamo in July 1941. They later faced Japanese attacks in the Far East because no better replacement was available. Wartime concentration on immediate fighter production stopped the planned Supermarine single-seat naval fighter and delayed the Fairey Firefly, extending a two-year stopgap into harsher theaters than its designers expected.
Chapter · 58:48-1:04:20
Fulmars from Cape Matapan to the Arctic and Far East
The Fulmar strafed Vittorio Veneto at Cape Matapan, supported Arctic operations, and defended Far Eastern positions after its planned replacements were delayed.