Q&A · 1:43:17-1:44:10

The Swordfish served far beyond torpedo attack

A playful question produces a compact inventory of the Swordfish's fighter, anti-submarine, strike, special-operations, floatplane, and delivery work.

Question

Was there any naval-aviation job the Fairey Swordfish was not used for?

Short answer

Very few: it undertook air combat, strike, anti-submarine, special-operations, floatplane, delivery, and experimental radar work during its long service.

Notes

The Swordfish's duties extended well beyond the attack at Taranto. It intercepted aircraft, attacked submarines and ships, supported operations ashore, and served as a floatplane. Swordfish also inserted Special Operations Executive personnel and performed ad hoc carrier-delivery work, including Charles Lamb's return to Illustrious with intelligence and potatoes. The same adaptable airframe also features in an unverified report of early airborne-warning experiments. Its longevity came from useful handling, payload, and versatility rather than speed.