Force K resumed operations soon after the Duisburg action, attacking merchant ships west of Crete on 23 November. Further sinkings followed on 1 December, including a destroyer and a tanker. Repeated losses encouraged the Italians to lay additional minefields. They also tried more concealed sailings and reduced the information circulating about convoy movements. The response combined a physical barrier to interception with tighter communications practices.
Notable Point · 5:25:40-5:26:34
Force K's later strikes and Italy's response
Further convoy losses brought more Italian minelaying and tighter concealment of sailing information.