The battle of Pantelleria: a historic Italian victory

(To Marina Militare)
27/06/19

The clash of Pantelleria was a culminating moment of the so-called "Middle of June" battle, which took place over a period of time ranging from 12 to 16 June 1942, and aimed at preventing the British from bringing supplies to Malta, completely isolated. The island was a strategic point that allowed the control of the Mediterranean by the British during the Second World War.

The British, to reach their goal, tried to mislead the Italian Navy: a convoy from Gibraltar had the task of distracting the Italians from another English fleet that would leave from Alexandria, which was to carry the greater part of the supplies and yet it will fail in its task.

The Seventh Italian Naval Division, led by Admiral Alberto Da Zara, meanwhile, awaited the convoy from Gibraltar south of the island of Pantelleria.

At 05:38 am on 15 June, British ships were sighted and Da Zara gave the order to attack. After suffering much damage, the enemy escort units were forced to retreat, and the admiral ordered the ships Vivaldi (photo opening) e Malocello to chase the fleeing convoy.

At 06.20 the Vivaldi he was hit in the boiler. The ship even took fire but, nevertheless, did not stop fighting enemies, defended by Malocello who attacked opponents head-on. Thus the readiness and courage of the crew who remained on the ship despite all the difficulties were demonstrated.

The English fleet withdrew definitively, also following the numerous damages suffered and the sinking of several units. In the end, only two English merchant ships managed to arrive in Malta, without being able to bring sufficient supplies, but only the bad news of a great defeat.