Sydney opened the ambush at about 08:20 and ultimately disabled the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni at long range. The tactical success carried a material cost: the ship fired 956 six-inch shells and heavily wore her gun barrels. Admiral Andrew Cunningham praised the action, and Captain Collins received the Companion of the Order of the Bath for his initiative and handling. The Admiralty credited the victory with strategic effect because Italian surface forces did not return to the waters around the Aegean in the same way. The praise carries some humor because Collins had moved without reporting his position, yet the result vindicated his judgment. A celebrated victory still imposed heavy ammunition and maintenance costs while rewarding successful initiative.
Notable Point · 1:13:02-1:15:44
Sydney's victory consumed nearly a thousand shells
Sydney sank Bartolomeo Colleoni at long range, but the action required 956 six-inch rounds and imposed heavy wear on her gun barrels.