A brief Mediterranean convoy engagement in which British destroyers sank an Italian freighter and torpedo boat, resulting in over 120 combined deaths.
Key Facts
- Date
- Night of 3–4 May 1943
- Freighter tonnage (Campobasso)
- 3,566 GRT GRT
- Campobasso crew killed
- 73 of 93 crew
- Perseo crew killed
- 50 of 133 crew
- British destroyers involved
- 3 (Nubian, Paladin, Petard)
- Time for Perseo to sink
- Approximately 1 hour after damage
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In May 1943, Italy was attempting to supply its forces in Tunisia via sea convoys despite Allied naval dominance in the Mediterranean. The Italian torpedo boat Perseo was escorting the freighter Campobasso toward Tunisia when three British destroyers intercepted them east of Kelibia near Cape Bon under cover of night.
HMS Nubian, HMS Paladin, and HMS Petard illuminated the Italian convoy with star shells. Perseo launched torpedoes at the British ships before turning north-west, but Campobasso was destroyed by British gunfire. Perseo was then lit up by further star shells, severely damaged, and sank approximately one hour later.
The engagement resulted in the loss of both Italian vessels. Of Campobasso's 93 crew, 73 were killed and 20 survived; of Perseo's 133 crew, 50 were killed and 83 were rescued. The action further demonstrated Allied interdiction of Axis supply lines to Tunisia in the final weeks of the North African campaign.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
2 belligerents