First Battle of Sirte

The first naval battle in the Gulf of Sirte was held on December 17, 1941 north of Libya.

Were involved on the British side under Admiral Vian six light cruisers and ten destroyers, on the Italian side under Admiral Iachino four battleships, five cruisers, 19 destroyers and a torpedo boat. The battle developed as the respective convoy escort organizations were getting a fight. As the Italian battleship Littorio RN from a distance of 32,000 meters, opened fire, the British withdrew. Some of their ships were taken in the further course, the cruiser HMS Neptune and the destroyer HMS Kandahar sank in an Italian minefield. The cruisers HMS Aurora and HMS Penelope were severely damaged. Both convoys reached their destination ports without further incident.

Another naval engagement in the Gulf of Sirte was held on March 22, 1942 north of Libya.

• Battle (World War II )
• 1941