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1935
The concept for an aerial attack on Taranto was first considered by the Royal Navy. -
January 1938
The Royal Navy carried out exercises simulating an attack on Taranto. -
1939-1940
Tensions in Europe increased leading to the outbreak of World War II.
Italy declared war on Britain and France on June 10, 1940. -
Summer 1940
Plans for Operation Judgrent, the code name for the attack on Taranto, were developed by Admiral Andrew Cunningham. -
October 1940
Detailed reconnaissance flights over Taranto were conducted to gather intelligence on Italian fleet dispositions and harbor defenses. -
Early November 1940
The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious arrived in the Mediterranean and joined Admiral Cunningham's Mediterranean Fleet. -
The attack (November 11-12, 1940)
The final preparations were made. Aircraft were armed with torpedoes and bombs.
A strike force consisting of Swordfish torpedo bombers from HMS Illustrious began taking off at approximately 20:35.