Taranto used one carrier and 21 aircraft. The strike put one battleship out of the war, severely damaged two more, lightly damaged a destroyer and heavy cruiser, and destroyed two seaplanes with their hangars. Force X's Adriatic action sank four merchant ships and heavily damaged a torpedo boat, while the Royal Navy lost two aircraft. Japan used six carriers and 355 aircraft at Pearl Harbor, lost 29 aircraft in the air raids, and lost six submarines for little tangible effect in the accompanying operation. The figures describe very different bases, fleets, and political circumstances, yet they show how training and tactics let the small Swordfish force produce a theatre-level result.
Chapter · 52:10-56:00
A small carrier force produces a strategic result
Taranto shows how trained crews and suitable tactics let a small carrier force alter a theatre's naval balance, while the Pearl Harbor comparison clarifies differences in scale and circumstances.