Furious operated with Force H around the invasion of Sicily in a task that required more restraint than simply destroying the first enemy aircraft detected. The British force allowed a reconnaissance aircraft to spot the ships and transmit a report. Only after the report had been sent did fighters shoot the aircraft down. The sequence let the enemy receive the information the operation wanted disclosed while denying the scout a return. It is a compact example of carrier aviation supporting deception and information control as well as direct attack.
Notable Point · 39:03-39:48
A controlled reconnaissance sighting supports the Sicily invasion
During operations connected with the invasion of Sicily, Furious's force let a reconnaissance aircraft report the British ships before shooting it down.