Illustrious sailed for the Indian Ocean with Martlets, Swordfish, and two Fulmars, then suffered an onboard fire that destroyed eleven aircraft and killed one crewman. The fire caused little serious damage to the ship, although the crewman's death was apparently caused by smoke inhalation. Repairs at Freetown replaced the destroyed aircraft, and twelve additional Martlet IIs came aboard from HMS Archer. The complement rose to 47 aircraft. Smaller fighters allowed more aircraft aboard than the larger multi-seat types previously available.
Notable Point · 53:19-54:55
A shipboard fire tests the aircraft-replacement system
A fire en route to the Indian Ocean destroyed eleven aircraft and killed a crewman, but repairs and replacements at Freetown restored and enlarged the air group.