 The carriers began launching their aircraft shortly after midnight on 17 July . The main striking force comprised 44 Barracudas , with the plan for the raid specifying that No. 8 Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance Wing 's aircraft would attack before those of No. 9 Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance Wing . All but two of the dive bombers were armed with powerful 1 @,@ 600 @-@ pound ( 730 kg ) armour @-@ piercing bombs ; the other aircraft each carried three 500 @-@ pound ( 230 kg ) bombs . 1841 Naval Air Squadron 's 18 Corsairs were assigned to provide protection against German fighters , and the 20 Hellcats and 12 Fireflies operated by 1840 and 1770 Naval Air Squadrons respectively were given the task of suppressing anti @-@ aircraft guns . 
