Escaping Taranto just above the water

The Swordfish is struck again as Wellham fights it down from the battleship's gunfire. He opens the throttle and skims the smooth harbour surface, where judging height at night is especially difficult. Balloon defences on both sides leave only a narrow route past San Pietro and the firing batteries. Tracer continues to pass overhead until the aircraft reaches darkness beyond the harbour. Once clear, Wellham discovers that it can climb, but only with one wing low and corrective rudder, leaving the return to Illustrious uncertain.