Second Sirte paired distributed command with a painful convoy outcome

At the Second Battle of Sirte, a hit on HMS Cleopatra's bridge killed fifteen men, disabled wireless signaling, and left only one pair of signal halyards. Vian considered this manageable because subordinate leaders already understood his intent and could act without further direction. The surface force protected the convoy, but the southward diversion and slow merchant speed prevented any merchant ship from reaching Malta before daylight; Breconshire was beached and Clan Campbell sunk. Vian credited the divisional commanders for the battle and accepted responsibility for the convoy's exposure. Weather then slowed the warships' return, but long-range Beaufighters arrived before air attacks became serious and helped protect the force.