The “Stringbag” was the primary torpedo bomber of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm through most of the war. While many were attached to RN aircraft carriers operating in the mediterranean Sea, some operated from land bases during the Greek Campaign and at Malta.

Very early in the Mediterranean fighting, the type was used in the stunning Attack on Taranto, Italy – daring nighttime attack by Swordfish from HMS Illustrious that heavily damaged three Italian battleships and gave the Italians pause to venture out into the Med. Due to its success, his action was studied and emulated by the Japanese for their attack on Pearl Harbor a year later.

The VWC Swordfish is dedicated to RN aviator Terry Goddard, who saw action in the Med while flying in Swordfish.