247: Taranto Pt. 1 - Plans and Preparations

247: Taranto Pt. 1 - Plans and Preparations

Author: Wesley Livesay February 9, 2026 Duration: 25:19
History of the Second World War
HistoryCultureDocumentarySocietySociety & Culture
In November 1940, the Royal Navy launched one of the most audacious carrier operations of the Second World War—a nighttime air attack on the Italian fleet anchored at Taranto. This episode explores the planning and preparations behind Operation Judgement, examining why Admiral Cunningham and his Mediterranean fleet turned to airpower when traditional fleet engagements proved elusive. From the capabilities of the seemingly obsolete Fairey Swordfish biplane and its torpedoes to the Italian defenses protecting their prized battleships, this episode sets the stage for an attack that would fundamentally shift the balance of naval power in the Mediterranean and foreshadow the future of carrier-based warfare. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast Episodes
213: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 5 - Churchill and the Few [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:35
Join us as we delve into the critical role of pilot experience in the Battle of Britain! This episode explores how the skills and bravery of foreign pilots, particularly those hailing from across the British Empire, were…
212: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 4 - Leaves Upon the Wind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:46
This episode dives deep into the often-overlooked details of the Battle of Britain, going beyond the famous aircraft to explore the technological and logistical factors that impacted the fighting. We examine the strength…
210: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 2 - Flying Blind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:27
This episode delves into the fascinating, high-stakes cat-and-mouse game of radar and radio countermeasures during the Battle of Britain. Discover how British intelligence meticulously deciphered the German “Knickebein”…
209: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 1 - Electronic Tripwires [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:12
In the years before the war the new technology of radar would begin to solve many of the problems of air defense, but it was not perfect. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World W…
208: If Necessary Alone - An Introduction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:44
The podcast is back, so it is time to talk about what you can look forward to in the near future. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is p…
Summary 4: Interwar Britain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:24
Those plucky Brits were doing Plucky Brit things, while also being stretched to the limit because when you have a world spanning empire your enemies can come from anywhere. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to adverti…
Summary 5: Interwar Airpower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:09
Back again with another Summary episode, this time to discuss the evolution of Airpower during the interwar years, and the preparedness of the various Air Forces around Europe before 1939. Contact advertising@airwavemedi…
Preview 18: The Victorious Royal Navy Pt. 6 - Preparing for War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:43
This episode sees another previously member only episode released on the main feed. War clouds on the horizon. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second W…
Preview 17: The Victorious Royal Navy Pt. 5 - Aviation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:21
This episode sees another previously member only episode released on the main feed. Naval aviation was a major topic of conversation between the RAF and the Royal Navy. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise o…

«1...345678910»