The first wave ranged twelve aircraft aft while pilots and observers prepared for the night flight. Natural wind was light and variable, offering little help to Swordfish carrying torpedoes, bombs, flares, and extra fuel. Illustrious accelerated to about thirty knots to create the airflow needed over the flight deck. The aircraft then launched cleanly before the bow, showing the carrier's manoeuvre as part of the weapon system rather than mere transport.
Notable Point · 2:34:11-2:35:04
Illustrious makes her own launch wind
With little natural wind, Illustrious accelerated to thirty knots to lift heavily loaded Swordfish from the deck.