Indian Ocean convoys ran with fewer escorts because the Atlantic, African coast, and Mediterranean all competed for the same ships. Convoy BN 7 nevertheless assembled a varied screen around 34 merchant vessels, including Leander, Kimberley, sloops, minesweepers, and auxiliary craft. Four Italian destroyers found what should have been a target-rich environment but failed to break through. Kimberley torpedoed Francesco Nullo. The action showed how a mixed escort could concentrate enough capability to defeat a stronger-looking attack.
Notable Point · 27:48-30:33
A mixed escort defeats the attack on Convoy BN 7
Leander, Kimberley, sloops, minesweepers, and auxiliaries protected 34 merchant ships and drove off four Italian destroyers.