Luftwaffe forces appeared in strength and then moved away at intervals, changing the pressure within the Mediterranean theatre. German and Italian units also needed time to become comfortable with torpedo bombing. British torpedo-bomber experience followed a different pattern because Swordfish units could remain in theatre after a carrier was lost. Local air strength therefore depended on deployment decisions and accumulated operational practice.
Notable Point · 4:40:59-4:41:57
Changing air strength in the Mediterranean
Deployment cycles and torpedo-bomber experience changed the balance of air attack in the Mediterranean.