Wellham pushes into a steep dive because a shallow approach would leave the Swordfish longer inside the barrage. At roughly 170 knots the aircraft strikes a barrage-balloon cable, wrenching the control column from his hand and badly limiting lateral control. The damaged Swordfish continues almost vertically toward central Taranto. Heavy elevator forces slowly bring it level above buildings, cranes, and factory chimneys. Reaching the harbour with only partial control turns the planned attack into an exercise in immediate survival and improvisation.
Chapter · 20:21-22:09
A balloon cable nearly sends a Swordfish into Taranto
Wellham dives steeply through Taranto's barrage, strikes a balloon cable, loses much of his lateral control, and barely pulls clear of the city.