21 - 27 June 2027 - Broad Chalke, Salisbury

Festival

Join the Chalke History Club

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Membership

Enjoy Chalke year-round by joining the Chalke History Club, with access to past talks, exclusive online events and festival benefits. (2026 talks added in the autumn)

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Included

11:00 - 11:30
Wed, 24 June
The Raid on Taranto Harbour
Modern

Discover the amazing, true story of the daring British raid on Taranto harbour, based on interviews with Lieutenant Commander John Wellham D.S.C., Pilot of Swordfish E5H of 824 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. In late 1940, Italy had the largest, most modern fleet in the world, moored in Taranto harbour, the largest, most heavily defended harbour in the world. Taranto provided an excellent base for the Italian Navy to hide whilst still being able to attack crucial and vulnerable shipping supply routes. How could the British neutralise the Italian fleet? Taranto harbour was too shallow for a submarine attack, too well protected for close bombardment by the Royal Navy and too far from any airfields for the RAF to be able to bomb. The only option was an attack from aircraft carriers by the Fleet Air Arm. The only aircraft capable at the time, was an antiquated bi-plane, the Fairey Swordfish.

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The Festival will return in 2027! 21st - 27th June, 2027. Keep up to date on all the festival news, including the latest line up announcements.

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