How HMS Penelope became the Pepperpot

Penelope struck a mine during operations near Tripoli and returned to Malta for repairs. She continued convoy work afterwards, including escort and towing duties involving Breconshire, and often remained at Malta when the rest of Force K was absent. Her size limited the places she could berth and made her position predictable during the heavy air attacks of March 1942. Repeated near misses punched numerous splinter holes through the ship, producing the Pepperpot nickname. Wooden plugs sticking out of those holes also prompted Porcupine. She reached Gibraltar on 10 April after further air attack during the passage to more extensive repairs.