The Admiralty issued the following communiqué at 3.45 p.m. today!

Last night in the Adriatic ships of the Royal Navy encounter a large enemy convey escorted by cruisers and destroyers. In the ensuing engagement the convoy dispersed, thereby losing the protection of its escorts which our heavy ships engaged, sinking one Fiume class cruiser, two destroyers, and sever smaller craft. Meanwhile destroyers over hauled the merchant ships; identified as tankers, supply vessels and troopships bound for North Africa. Later one of our submarines on routine patrol sank two heavily laden enemy supply ships.

In the Mediterranean a second convey escorted by E - boats and Flak - lighters was engaged by our light coastal forces in the shallows off Capo de Duce. A spirited action followed costing the enemy six supply ships and four E -boats.

"Our ships sustained only minor damage and few casualties".