The raid was first intended for the period around Trafalgar Day, but carrier problems disrupted the timetable. Illustrious suffered a hangar fire on 18 October, while Eagle developed engine and fuel-system trouble serious enough to keep her out of the operation. The planners waited for repairs and ultimately attacked with one carrier. Maintenance failures had changed both the date and striking strength before the aircraft ever launched.
Chapter · 0:47-4:45
How carrier problems delayed and reduced the raid
Hangar and machinery problems shifted the timetable and left HMS Illustrious to carry out the raid without HMS Eagle.