Convoi of the Maritza

Convoi of the Maritza

Start: Monday November 24, 1941

Winner: Britain

This was one of the italian convoys sent on November 20th bound for Libya. It left Athens at 1400 on November 23rd and took a course passing near Crete, hoping to avoid the encounter with Force K. However British were informed by "Ultra" (the deciphering centre at Bletchey Park) of the presence of several convoys at sea. The British division left Malta to intercept but was sighted by Italian submarine SETTEMBRINI that launched the alarm. "Supermarina" (Italian Navy HQ) received the message at 0500 of 24th and aborted all missions. Unfortunately the LUPO's wireless was tuned on the frequency of the Aegean Sector HQ and did not receive the order. Agnew intercept the convoy at 1547 of 24th and open fire. CASSIOPEA attempt to cover the convoy with a smoke screen, while LUPO went to attack of Force K. All was useless, LUPO hit PENELOPE with some 4'' shells, but was damaged. MARITZA and PROCIDA were caught and sunk, without survivors. The two torpedo-boats were saved by a rain squall. CASSIOPEA suffered only splinter damage.
(Historical research and text by Leonardo Ciaccheri)

Place: Central Mediterranean Sea

Type: Gun battle

	Britain	Italy
Forces	Agnew (Force K based in Malta): 2 cruisers, 2 destroyers.	Mimbelli (Convoy from Italy to Africa, with its escort): 2 destroyers, 2 freighters.
Losses	Nil.	2 freighters lost.