The Western Mediterranean saw its biggest air and sea 'battles' since the last war when Home and Mediterranean Fleets combined to force the Straits in 'Operation Two Step' - largest post-war naval-air exercise involving battleships, carriers, destroyers, submarines and Royal Air Force squadrons. Rear-Admiral Lord Mountbatten commanded the raiders endeavouring to break through 'Blue' air and sea cordon in defending the Straits to rejoin 'Red' force. It was claimed the raiders where destroyed. The bastion of Gibraltar beneath the wings of a patrolling Halifax plane. [defence, army, exercise, British Overseas Territory, aerial photography] 11 March 1949