Operation Harpoon Read online

  The lessons were learnt well. The sheer volume of fire put up by the pedestal escorts so disconcerted Axis airmen that hardly any damage was done by air attack in the initial stages. The through escort for “Pedestal” was much more substantial and effectively deterred Italian surface attack, apart from torpedo boats. “Pedestal” casualties were very heavy, but five merchants got through to Malta, breaking the siege. Without the experiences of “Harpoon”, that might very well not have happened.

  Bibiliography.

  "The Battle for the Mediterranean", by D. Macintyre. Published by Pan Books Ltd, London 1970.

  "The Italian Navy in World War II", by Commander (R) A Bragadin. Published by the United States Naval Institute, Annapolis 1957.

  "The Italian Navy in World War II", by J. Sadkovich. Published by Greenwood Press, Wesport 1994.

  "The War at Sea 1939-1945 Volume II", by S.W. Roskill. Published by HMSO, London 1956.

  "Engage the enemy more closely", by C. Barnett. Published by Hodder & Stoughton, London 1991.

  "Allied minesweeping in World War 2", by P. Elliott. Published by Patrick Stephens Ltd, Cambridge 1979.

  "Battle Summary no. 32, Malta Convoys 1942", by Tactical, Torpedo and Staff Duties division (historical section), Naval Staff, Admiralty, London 1945.

  Appendix: British Minesweeper Specifications:-

  Halcyon class: Displacement 815 tons. Length 245 ft. Breadth 33.5 ft. Draught 7 ft. Armament 1 x 4". (Later versions had 2 x 20mm, 1 x quad 0.5" MG). Speed 17 knots. Crew 80.

  Bangor class: Displacement 590 tons. Length 162-180 ft. Breadth 28.5 ft. Draught 8.25 ft. Armament 1 x 3". (Hythe also 1 x 12 pdr). Speed 16 knots. Crew 60.

  'B' class motor launch: Displacement 73 tons. Length 112 ft. Breadth 18 ft. Draught 4 ft. Armament 1 x 3 pdr, 1 x 20mm. Speed 20 knots. Crew 16.