A plausible three-carrier Mediterranean force could combine Illustrious, Eagle, and a surviving Glorious. Eagle could undergo repairs earlier because two other carriers remained available, then return with its experienced air group for Operation Judgement. A much larger strike would dilute the effect of a few aircraft lost to contaminated fuel and place more torpedoes against the Italian battle fleet. Although damaged ships in Taranto’s shallow water could be recovered, Italy lacked the industrial repair capacity the United States later brought to Pearl Harbor. More widespread damage might therefore remove modern Italian battleships for years rather than months and radically reduce the Regia Marina’s usable strength.
Notable Point · 21:54-25:17
A larger Taranto strike tests Italian repair capacity
Adding Glorious to Illustrious and Eagle could multiply the Taranto strike. Shallow-water recovery offered limited reassurance because Italian repair capacity was far below American industrial scale.