
Taranto Harbour prior to raid. It was a major base for the Italian Navy.
Taranto was a major port and important in World War II history for two major reasons. Firstly, it was the site of a crippling British aerial raid by carrier-borne planes launching from the carrier HMS Illustrious. The Italian Navy was badly damaged and lost many ships in this 11-12 December, 1940 raid. The Japanese planned their attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 by studying the British attack and plans. The Italian Navy never fought a decisive engagement and instead hid in their ports. Taranto is also known for its role in the Battle of Italy, where it was a large resupply port for allied troops.

Conde di Cavour, an Italian ship, sunk by British Aerial Raid during Taranto Raid. Night of 11-12 December, 1940.