In the summer of 1940, an Italian flotilla embarked on a grand expedition across the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Their mission: to equip their compatriots stationed in Libya.
As the sun began to set, two torpedo boats set out to rendezvous with the flotilla outside the Messina harbor. There, they joined forces with the escort fleet from Taranto and formed a mighty armada.
The escort fleet was nothing short of awe-inspiring, consisting of several destroyers, torpedo boats, heavy cruisers, light cruisers, and battleships.
Coincidentally, the Allies were engaged in a similar undertaking. With their forces stirring in the ancient city of Alexandria, they readied themselves to embark on a vital mission to Malta with vital supplies and specialist reinforcements. The convoy was composed of an array of ships, from those carrying civilians to those laden with fleet stores.
And so, some 30 miles east of Punta Stillo, the convoy of the Italian Royal Navy would cross paths with the British Royal Navy…
