The video traces her fighter, reconnaissance, and torpedo-bomber squadrons through the 1930s. A carrier holding three dozen Swordfish could contribute two substantial strike waves, changing the scale of an operation such as Taranto rather than simply adding a token aircraft detachment. The 1936 group combined 36 Swordfish with 12 Sea Gladiators, while the strike aircraft also covered reconnaissance and anti-submarine duties. This multi-role composition explains why the apparent fighter-to-strike imbalance made sense before radar and later fighter-bomber practice.
Chapter · 44:15-46:31
Glorious's air group and a larger Taranto strike
A 36-Swordfish air group shows why Glorious could have materially enlarged a Mediterranean carrier strike.