A storm removed part of Taranto's torpedo-net and barrage-balloon protection, and the Italians did not restore it before the raid. The reason remains uncertain: they may have lacked hydrogen, urgency, or both. British planners had predicted that a storm would expose this part of the harbour. Their knowledge of local winds, hydrography, and professional meteorology made the opening more than a piece of simple luck.
Notable Point · 24:10-25:09
Weather exposes gaps in Taranto's defences
A storm damaged torpedo nets and balloon barriers, and informed Royal Navy planners understood why the exposed section was vulnerable.