Said survivors saw one, towards Uk destroyers, this new staff are every to your platform, at notice, on her or him
Brand new Navigatori-group destroyer (up until 1938 classified “esploratore leggero” – white lookout) Alvise da Mosto (asked from the Capitani di Fregata Francesco Dell’Anno) sailed with the 31 November 1941 so you can escort so you can Tripoli the current tanker Iridio Mantovani, carrying 8629 t of defectively necessary electricity of all the categories. Ultra got forewarned british the tanker might possibly be cruising having North Africa, thus for a passing fancy day Force K (four white cruisers and you will three destroyers in two squadrons) had sortied away from Malta.
Into the step 1 December, within 1300 h the small convoy try processed by recon planes, and then attacked by Bristol Blenheim bombers, you to definitely strike the fresh Mantovani, devastating her; as the destroyer endured by to assist, the situation is worsened as the some other air attack condemned this new tanker at the 1650 h, prompting new team so you can dump boat. （更多…）