A first-person Perth account preserved by the Naval Historical Society of Australia describes coming under eight-inch fire at about 20,000 yards, beyond the 17,000-yard battle range it gives for the cruiser. The Seventh Cruiser Squadron tried to draw the Italian ships toward the British battle fleet while keeping clear of their superior armament. When the Italians turned away, maintaining contact drew the British cruisers after them. They then encountered Vittorio Veneto, came under fifteen-inch battleship fire, and turned away at speed under smoke.
Chapter · 28:47-31:26
Perth draws the Italian cruisers toward the battle fleet
A Perth eyewitness describes the daylight chase at Cape Matapan and the sudden encounter with Vittorio Veneto.