The Italian Air Force's tail-cutting tactic was effective, and the remaining air forces effectively delayed the pursuit of the British and French Air Forces, buying enough time for the main air force to retreat.
Of the two squadrons left behind, which comprised about 70 aircraft, the outcome was predictable when faced with hundreds of British and French aircraft.
After desperately downing several British and French aircraft, the more than 70 Italian aircraft were quickly annihilated by the British and French Air Forces.
Watching the Italian Air Force recede into the distance, the British Air Force commander issued a very bold order, which was to continue the pursuit.
In fact, at this point, the British and French Air Forces already had an absolute advantage.