The damaged Swordfish found Conte di Cavour behind and to the right, forcing an abrupt 180-degree turn. The pilot could hold a straight run only by skidding with rudder and one wing low, an unfavourable attitude for torpedo release. The battleship fired every weapon that could bear, but many guns could not depress far enough to reach the aircraft. After releasing at close range, the suddenly lighter Swordfish rose into the gunfire and was hit again. It escaped at wave-top height between the remaining balloons and batteries.
Notable Point · 2:56:16-2:59:05
Reversing onto Conte di Cavour with damaged controls
After recovering from the cable strike, the pilot reversed course and released against Conte di Cavour under point-blank defensive fire.