Charles Lamb watched a Swordfish pass through the harbour entrance about 5,000 feet below him and disappear beneath the barrage. He initially assumed it had been shot down. As gunfire followed the aircraft from both sides, he judged that the firing was low enough for the defenders to hit each other. He then saw the arcs rise and shells explode in Taranto behind the harbour. Engaging aircraft close to the water risked hitting friendly ships, shore positions and the town. The aircraft he watched is not securely identified as the one that subsequently ditched.
Notable Point · 41:19-42:49
Charles Lamb watches the defenders raise their fire
Lamb's view from about 5,000 feet above the first attackers connects low defensive fire with the risk of hitting ships and the town.