The Swordfish approaching cruisers and destroyers in the inner harbour encountered no searchlights. Charles Lamb, observing from his flare-dropping aircraft, considered the danger that a searchlight would expose the ship using it. Two heavy cruisers initially fired, then stopped after realizing that the dark centre of the harbour concealed them. The bombers searching for those cruisers could no longer find them. Searchlights also risked dazzling friendly crews across the harbour, particularly when directed toward aircraft flying close to the water.
Notable Point · 22:58-25:58
Darkened cruisers evade the bombers
Two heavy cruisers stopped firing and disappeared into the inner harbour's darkness, while searchlights threatened to reveal ships or blind other defenders.