HC Deb 30 September 1941 vol 374 cc466-7
The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

The House will have seen certain reports of operations which have taken place in the Mediterranean during the last few days. Thirteen Italian aircraft were destroyed during successful operations in the Central Mediterranean, of which further details have now been received from Vice-Admiral Sir James Somerville. These operations had as their object the safe passage of an important convoy through the Central Mediterranean. During the morning of 27th September it became apparent that the convoy and the covering force were being shadowed by enemy aircraft, and in the early afternoon our ships were attacked by three groups of torpedo-carrying aircraft, which were heavily escorted by fighters. At the same time bombers passed over the Fleet, but no attack by them was observed. The enemy were engaged by naval fighter aircraft and by gunfire, and four enemy torpedo bombers and one C.R.42 fighter were destroyed by naval fighter aircraft, in addition to one probably destroyed and others damaged. Six torpedo bombers and one fighter were shot down into the sea by gunfire of the Fleet.

His Majesty's ship "Nelson" was hit by one torpedo, and her speed was slightly reduced. There were no casualties in the "Nelson." During the afternoon the enemy attempted a second attack, but they were intercepted and driven off by naval fighter aircraft. No further attacks were attempted. On 28th September an enemy aircraft was intercepted and destroyed while attempting to shadow our forces. Our losses were three naval fighter aircraft, the crew of two of which were saved. The next-of-kin of casualties are being informed. During the course of these operations reports were received that an Italian naval force was at sea. This force, however, took evading action and could not be brought to battle.