Fleet Air Arm veterans Battle of Taranto Yeovilton|Western Gazette|

FLEET Air Arm veterans gathered at RNAS Yeovilton earlier this month to mark a historic naval air battle.

Officers at RNAS Yeovilton held the annual Battle of Taranto Night dinner to celebrate and remember the night time attack on November 11, 1940.

BATTLE GATHERING: Fleet Air Arm veterans gathered to mark the Battle of Taranto. From left, Cdr Ric Fox RN, Wardroom Mess President, Mr Ken Davies, Telegraphist Air Gunner (TAG), Lt Hank Adlam, Mr Joe Griffin, TAG, Mr Paul Tipney, TAG, Brig Mark Noble RM, Commanding Officer RNAS Yeovilton
DARING ATTACK: Some 20 Royal Navy Swordfish 'Stringbag' aircraft crippled half of the Italian battle fleet at Taranto. Launched from HMS Illustrious, the Swordfish aircraft flew 170 miles at laboriously low speed, and made a determined attack, dropping torpedoes on the battleships, cruisers and destroyers at anchor in the harbour

The daring attack was an outstanding success and the first time in history that an enemy fleet had been defeated without ever sighting or engaging with the opposing ships.

Some 20 Royal Navy Swordfish 'Stringbag' aircraft crippled half of the Italian battle fleet at Taranto.

Launched from HMS Illustrious, the Swordfish aircraft flew 170 miles at laboriously low speed, and made a determined attack, dropping torpedoes on the battleships, cruisers and destroyers at anchor in the harbour. Guest of honour at the dinner was Lt Henry 'Hank' Adlam RN (Rtd), 88, a former World War II fighter pilot.

He was joined by three Telegraphist Air Gunners (TAGs).

Mr Adlam completed his flying training in 1941. He flew Hurricanes, Wildcats, Hellcats and Corsairs from both small escort and larger fleet carriers on operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Mediterranean, Far East and Pacific theatres of war.

He said: "The Battle of Taranto first proved the effectiveness of carrier air power – and proved it unequivocally, it was a great success.

"The Swordfish was the workhorse of the FAA and I have great respect for the men that flew it. It is an honour to be part of the Fleet Air Arm's history and to be at the dinner."

Mr Adlam has written about his experiences. His book On and Off the Flight Deck details his wartime flying years and describes the high risk involved in flying on and off the unstable and moving decks of aircraft carriers.

As well as an author, Mr Adlam is also a well established artist of marine and aviation paintings.

Cdr Ric Fox RN, the President of the Wardroom at RNAS Yeovilton, said: "It was a privilege to have such distinguished guests here. Hank flew almost five years of operations in World War II and the Telegraphist Air Gunners were the unsung heroes of the Swordfish crew.

"Although we don't have any 'Men of Taranto' still alive, in the centenary year of Naval Aviation it is fitting to commemorate this iconic battle with men that have paved the way for today's Fleet Air Arm."