Told you survivors saw that, towards British destroyers, the newest staff was all of the with the deck, during the desire, to your him or her
The newest Navigatori-class destroyer (up until 1938 classified “esploratore leggero” – light scout) Alvise da Mosto (demanded by Capitani di Fregata Francesco Dell’Anno) sailed into the 29 November 1941 so you can companion so you can Tripoli the current tanker Iridio Mantovani, carrying 8629 t out of badly requisite power of all groups. Ultra got forewarned the british the tanker would be sailing having Northern Africa, ergo on a single time Push K (five light cruisers and you can around three destroyers in two squadrons) had sortied out-of Malta.
Towards the step 1 December, at the 1300 h the little convoy is actually screened of the recon planes, and attacked of the Bristol Blenheim bombers, one to hit this new Mantovani, devastating the woman; while the destroyer endured from the to assist, the trouble is actually worsened due to the fact several other sky attack destined the fresh tanker on 1650 h, compelling the brand new team to dump vessel.
At 1750 h from the da Mosto Push K is spotted, 1st confused with Italian vessels coming from Tripoli to simply help; in the event the nature of novices turned apparent, Dell’Anno ordered making straight in their mind, while making good torpedo attack; the destroyer came to 10’000 meters personal, with salvoes currently straddling your, making cigarette, releasing several right after which four a whole lot more torpedoes. (more…)