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The concept for an aerial attack on Taranto was first considered by the Royal Navy. -
The Royal Navy carried out exercises simulating an attack on Taranto. -
Tensions in Europe increased leading to the outbreak of World War II.
Italy declared war on Britain and France on June 10, 1940. -
Plans for Operation Judgrent, the code name for the attack on Taranto, were developed by Admiral Andrew Cunningham. -
Detailed reconnaissance flights over Taranto were conducted to gather intelligence on Italian fleet dispositions and harbor defenses. -
The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious arrived in the Mediterranean and joined Admiral Cunningham's Mediterranean Fleet. -
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.