Italian reconnaissance found Tiger, and SM.79s attacked with CR.42 fighter escorts. Torpedo bombing posed a serious threat, but concerns about risk and training demands limited Italian enthusiasm for the method. Ark Royal's fighters broke incoming strikes into smaller groups, while heavy anti-aircraft fire and room to maneuver helped Renown and Ark Royal evade torpedoes. Fulmars also intercepted German Ju 87s and Bf 110s before they could reach the merchant ships, whose own defensive armament added to the convoy's protection. A simultaneous eastern convoy drew attacks against Formidable and the Mediterranean Fleet's battleships. Renown nevertheless suffered a gun-control accident in which one 4.5-inch mounting fired into another, killing six and wounding 26. Mines sank Empire Song and damaged New Zealand Star. A torpedo also missed Queen Elizabeth after a maneuver described as kicking her stern toward it, though how that caused the torpedo to veer away remains unclear.
Notable Point · 36:08-41:36
Tiger under air attack and mine threat
The fighting around Tiger shows effective layered air defense, but mines still cost the convoy Empire Song.