Victory at Sea - HMS Illustrious

Designed as the next generation of advanced carriers, the Illustrious-class was shorter than the HMS Ark Royal but displaced a similar amount. Greater armour meant a small hangar, however, and so less aircraft could be carried. The HMS Illustrious is best known for its part in the attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto, where its Fairey Swordfish disabled or sunk their targets with great success. After celebrated service in the Mediterranean, the Illustrious was later to see service with the Eastern Fleet and then the Pacific Fleet.