Q&A · 1:24:39-1:25:19

Comparing Saratoga's Rabaul raid with Taranto

The Rabaul and Taranto operations are alike as carrier strikes on harbors, but different air groups and attack profiles limit the comparison.

Question

Should Saratoga's 1943 raid on Rabaul be considered similar to the attack on Taranto?

Short answer

Only broadly: both were carrier strikes on harbors, but their air groups and attack profiles were very different.

Notes

Rabaul and Taranto can be compared as carrier attacks on defended harbours. Saratoga's air group differed greatly from Illustrious's Swordfish force. Their aircraft and attack profiles therefore limit how far the comparison can be carried. The distinction is about the operations' different characteristics, without disparaging the Rabaul strike.