The movements of Force H and Force F allowed Barham and accompanying cruisers to pass through the Sicilian Channel at night. Italian commanders knew ships were coming but lacked the precise timing and position needed to concentrate torpedo boats effectively. Their attention was divided among several nearby British activities. Getting such valuable reinforcements through was a substantial achievement in its own right and could plausibly appear to explain the surrounding raids and convoy movements. That success helped conceal the further objective at Taranto.
Notable Point · 1:34:45-1:36:46
The reinforcement passage provides a convincing diversion
A risky night passage through the Sicilian Channel delivered major reinforcements and gave Italian commanders a convincing explanation for the wider British activity.