Q&A ยท 1:26:56-1:27:02

Who commanded the Taranto operation?

Andrew Cunningham commanded the wider fleet operation while Lumley Lister directed the carrier force aboard Illustrious.

Question

Who was in command of the Taranto raid?

Short answer

Andrew Cunningham commanded the overall operation, while Lumley Lister directed the carrier force from Illustrious.

Notes

Admiral Andrew Cunningham held overall command and remained at sea with the fleet, integrating the strike into the wider Mediterranean operation. Rear Admiral Lumley Lister was aboard Illustrious and directed the carrier component. Cunningham controlled the theatre operation, while Lister handled execution from the carrier. The arrangement kept the air attack connected to the surrounding convoys and surface forces.