The Allied force concealed its approach between the Italian ships and the coast, reduced speed to suppress its bow wave, and attacked at roughly 1,000 yards. Reports from Sikh and Maori describe torpedo hits and concentrated gunfire that overwhelmed the cruisers before they could respond effectively. The accompanying torpedo boat passed so close to Maori that the destroyer's main armament could not bear, while its short-range weapons jammed. The exact attribution of individual torpedo hits is disputed, but the close-range engagement decisively exposed the Giussanos' vulnerability.
Chapter · 58:46-1:03:12
Cape Bon's close-range destroyer ambush
British and Dutch destroyers used darkness, shore background, gunfire, and torpedoes at roughly 1,000 yards to destroy both Giussano-class cruisers.