Hello Urs and Jordi,

You are quite correct that the vessels were escorted by ANTARES until 0300/28. When it was known that CILICIA had been torpedoed MEDICI was sailed to pick up the survivors. I do not have the action report of the Italian ships but according to the Italian Official History, ORIANI was hit by a bomb at 1400/28 and turned back (German records mention only CICILIA being hit by bomb). Apparently she did not turn back right away as she was present when RORQUAL carried out her attack at 1938/28 (Italian reports show the attack as 1840/28 as Italian time was one hour behind). ORIANI rammed HMS RORQUAL causing damage to the periscopes and forcing the submarine to abandon her patrol. I am not certain if MEDICI actually made contact with ORIANI. According to the Italian OH ORIANI arrived at Kalamata at 0800/29, German records give her arrival there as early on 30 April and do not mention the torpedo-boat. Unless we have a look at more detailed records it is difficult to be sure.

Best regards,

Platon