Heavy convoy protection could include battleship guns as well as conventional anti-aircraft weapons. An anecdote about Italian aircraft attacking Gibraltar credits HMS Nelson with firing 16-inch shells at the formation. One aircraft reportedly collapsed amid the shell fire. The story illustrates a willingness to use the guns available against an air threat, although that practice was not always helpful.
Notable Point · 25:50-27:08
Nelson's main guns against aircraft
An anecdote about Nelson at Gibraltar illustrates the use of battleship main guns against an air attack.