The main narrative closes with the operation-level lesson that the best tool for one mission may be the second-best tool for the campaign. Ark Royal could carry a much larger strike group and might have inflicted still greater damage at Taranto, but her conspicuous western raid made Italian expectations more predictable. Illustrious's smaller attack force was sufficient while Ark Royal drew attention away from the eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, MB8's convoys and fleet movements delivered ships, troops, guns, and supplies while pressing back Italian freedom of action. Taranto becomes an example of allocating scarce platforms across deception, logistics, and attack.
Notable Point · 46:00-47:59
The best operational plan may use the second-best tactical tool
Ark Royal was the stronger strike carrier, but using her as the conspicuous western decoy allowed Illustrious's smaller air group to attack Taranto while MB8's reinforcements moved east.