The returning aviators wanted to strike again, and Cunningham initially agreed while the success was fresh. He soon doubted that sending tired crews back after the strain of the night attack would be fair or prudent. The source of the pressure for a repeat remains uncertain, and Cunningham felt relieved when a bad-weather report from the fleet meteorological officer ended the proposal. The decision fits his preference for useful risk over wasteful repetition, even after a dramatic success.
Notable Point · 30:18-31:39
Why Cunningham resisted a second Taranto strike
After the successful raid, Cunningham weighed the aircrews' enthusiasm against exhaustion and welcomed weather that ended pressure for an immediate repeat attack.