Large fleet operations did not return to Taranto after the attack, and the Italian fleet withdrew toward Naples even as work continued on the harbour's defences. Naples placed the surviving battleships farther from convoys approaching Malta from the eastern Mediterranean. The move changed where the fleet could most readily threaten British movements and shifted the immediate problem toward Force H. The raid's strategic effect therefore extended beyond the ships damaged that night.
Notable Point · 57:51-58:24
A tactical raid with a strategic basing effect
The raid's influence extended beyond damaged ships because the Regia Marina no longer trusted Taranto as a fleet operating base.