Naval Action in early March 1942

The Axis strategy of sending convoys with heavy naval escorts was working for them. they had sent 67,000 tons of supplies and 40,000 tons of fuel to Libya in February and March 1942. There losses had been about 9% of the supplies sent, and those were almost all due to British submarines. One convoy was attacked by Bristol Beaufort torpedo bombers on 9 March 1942, but the damage proved to be slight. The Beauforts had reported causing damage, so Admiral Vian set sail to search for disabled ships. The only result was that Vian's flagship, the cruiser Naiad was torpedoed and sunk by U-565. This is based on the account in Vol.III of the Official History.