The deception supports a much weaker British force of five light cruisers and fourteen destroyers during the First Battle of Sirte. Italy has battleships, heavy cruisers, light cruisers, and destroyers available, but submarine attacks and reports of British heavy units make its commanders increasingly cautious. Abdiel's speed lets her transmit from separated positions, while the captain and executive officer perform the two sides of a false battleship conversation. The invented division contributes to the Italian decision to withdraw rather than press a favorable numerical advantage against what is actually a cruiser-and-destroyer force.
Notable Point · 2:34:21-2:38:30
HMS Abdiel's radio traffic invents a battle squadron
Abdiel races between positions while captain and executive officer transmit both sides of a false conversation, persuading Italy that two British battleships are at sea.