After both carriers were repaired in the United States, they headed back to Britain through heavy North Atlantic weather. Illustrious struck Formidable's stern, and Formidable escaped comparatively lightly. Illustrious's forward round-down needed rebuilding, which cost her several more weeks out of action. Oranges spilled from Illustrious into Formidable's quarterdeck supplied the comic detail; the collision still shows that transit and weather remained operational hazards after major yard work.
Notable Point · 58:55-1:00:28
Illustrious collides with Formidable after their repairs
After both carriers were repaired in the United States, North Atlantic weather ended their homeward passage with Illustrious striking Formidable's stern and damaging her own forward round-down.