Operation Judgement - 80th Anniversary
Although to most it is Armistice Day some of us will also be marking the 80th Anniversary of the operation that announced arrival of Carrier-based Airpower as an effective weapon - the Battle Taranto.
Covid-19 having put a dampener on celebrations, I will be raising a glass this evening to the brave aircrews of 815, 819, 813 and 824 Naval Air Squadrons. Although only two aircrew died and two became PoWs around of half those who participated did not survive the war.
Killed in Action
Lieutenant G W L A Bayly RN
Lieutenant H J Slaughter RN
Taken Prisoner
Lieutenant Commander K Williamson RN - CO 815
Lieutenant N J Scarlett RN
I will also take time to remember the 59 Italian dead. They were also doing their duty.
The RAF played a role, providing the recce flight that confirmed the presence of the Italian fleet in harbour.