First surface engagement between the Italian and Allied units in WWII - a small convoy of Italian destroyers carrying antitank units to Africa was intercepted by the 7th Cruiser Squadron.

Order of battle:

• 7th Cruiser Squadron (VAdm John Tovey)
  • 1st Cruiser Division
    • HMS Orion (flagship)
    • HMS Neptune
    • HMAS Sydney
    • HMS Gloucester
  • 2nd Cruiser Division
    • HMS Manchester
    • HMS Gloucester

• 2nd Destroyer Squadron (Capitano di Fregata Enrico Baroni)
  • Espero (flagship) - Sunk
  • Ostro
  • Zeffiro

Result:

Allied victory - Espero sunk

On the flip side, remaining destroyers escaped and ammunition consumption halted cruiser squadron activities for some time, leading to delays in convoys to Malta.

Event details