Top 10 greatest aircraft carrier battles
- By Lin Liyao China.org.cn, October 19, 2011
Battle of Taranto (奇袭塔兰托)
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HMS Illustrious is served during the Battle of Taranto. [coconuttimes.com] |
Location: Taranto, Italy
Countries: United Kingdom vs. Italy
Aircraft carriers: UK: 1 fleet carrier (HMS Illustrious)
Result: In this battle, the Royal Navy launched the first all-aircraft ship-to-ship naval attack in history, flying a small number of obsolescent biplane torpedo bombers from an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. In a resounding victory for the Royal Navy, the Italian fleet lost about half its strength in one night.