SM.79 bombers attacked the withdrawing British force. British observers claimed to have seen a bomber shot down into the sea, but no corresponding Italian aircraft loss is identified. Smoke, a low aircraft passing out of sight, and explosions from a jettisoned bomb load could create a convincing impression of destruction. The reported sighting therefore remains an unconfirmed claim.
Notable Point · 5:23:25-5:24:25
An unconfirmed bomber claim after the Duisburg action
The absence of a corresponding Italian loss qualifies a British claim to have destroyed an attacking bomber.