Operation Slapstick was the code name for a British landing from the sea at the Italian port of Taranto during the Second World War .

Planned Arranging at short notice , the mission followed an offer by the Italian government to open Openness the ports of Taranto and Brindisi on the heel of Italy to the Allies .

The landing was unopposed and the airborne division successfully captured Conquering the ports of Taranto , and later Brindisi on the Adriatic coast in working order .

Reinforcements from two infantry divisions had by then been landed behind them , which allowed Preventing_or_letting the airborne troops to be withdrawn Escaping to Taranto .