Swordfish crews approached so low that their wheels sometimes touched the water. The aircraft remained controllable at low speed, allowing pilots to turn around barrage-balloon anchor cables, barges and picket boats as they emerged from the darkness. The comparison with the Avenger and Kate concerns this ability to respond to close obstacles during a night attack. Faster torpedo aircraft would have been harder to use in the same way. The Swordfish's flexible structure also helped it withstand punishment during these low approaches.
Notable Point · 17:10-19:41
The Swordfish manoeuvres around obstacles at wave-top height
Slow flight and responsive handling let Swordfish crews evade balloon cables and picket boats when obstacles appeared suddenly in the darkness.