Formidable's mixed strike group included Swordfish because the older aircraft could still be trusted to start, fly, and perform useful work. A Swordfish assigned to reconnaissance, anti-surface patrol, or anti-submarine duty freed a scarce Albacore for the main strike role. This substitution recurred when British carrier groups were short of serviceable modern aircraft. The Swordfish earned its place through dependable availability and mission flexibility despite its lower speed and daylight vulnerability.
Notable Point · 41:10-43:29
Why the Swordfish kept returning to depleted air groups
The Swordfish's reliability and ability to scout, strike surface targets, and patrol for submarines made it useful reserve capacity when newer carrier aircraft were unavailable.