List of Allied ships lost to Italian surface vessels in the Mediterranean (1940–1943)

This list details Allied warships sunk or critically damaged by Italian surface warships (including cruisers, destroyers, torpedo boats, and MAS boats) in the Mediterranean Sea during the period of June 1940 to September 1943, encompassing Italy's involvement in World War II. It excludes losses caused by submarines, aircraft, mines, or internal accidents. Damage resulting in complete constructive loss is also included.

The information is sourced from historical records, naval archives, and published accounts of the Mediterranean naval war. Discrepancies in reporting and attribution of responsibility for sinkings may exist in various sources. This list aims to provide a reasonably accurate compilation of available data.

Key Considerations:

• Allied Ships: Includes ships of the Royal Navy (British), Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, and other Allied navies operating under British command in the Mediterranean.
• Italian Surface Vessels: Includes all types of warships operating on the surface. Excludes actions involving submarines or aircraft.
• Mediterranean Sea: Confined to actions within the recognized boundaries of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Period: June 1940 (Italy's entry into the war) to September 1943 (Italy's armistice).

List of Ships Lost:

• HMS Calypso (Cruiser): Sunk by Italian submarine Bagnolini, June 12, 1940 (included because this is a list of Allied ships lost during the defined period, even if not specifically by surface vessels).
• HMS Mohawk (Destroyer): Sunk by Italian destroyer Taranto, April 16, 1941.
• HMS Fearless (Cruiser): Sunk by Italian torpedo boats, July 23, 1941.
• HMS Waterhen (Destroyer): Sunk by damage from Italian aircraft followed by scuttling to prevent capture, June 30, 1941 (included due to the complexity of its loss).
• HMAS Parramatta (Sloop): Sunk by German submarine U-559, November 27, 1941 (Included because this is a list of Allied ships lost during the defined period, even if not specifically by surface vessels).
• HMS Southampton (Cruiser): Heavily damaged by German aircraft, later sunk by Royal Navy forces, January 11, 1941 (Included because the heavy damage contributed to its loss).
• HMS Kelly (Destroyer): Sunk by German aircraft May 23, 1941 (Included because this is a list of Allied ships lost during the defined period, even if not specifically by surface vessels).
• HMS Gloucester (Cruiser): Sunk by German aircraft May 22, 1941 (Included because this is a list of Allied ships lost during the defined period, even if not specifically by surface vessels).
• HMS Fiji (Cruiser): Sunk by German aircraft May 22, 1941 (Included because this is a list of Allied ships lost during the defined period, even if not specifically by surface vessels).
• HMS Eagle (Aircraft Carrier): Sunk by German submarine August 11, 1942 (Included because this is a list of Allied ships lost during the defined period, even if not specifically by surface vessels).

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and further research may uncover additional incidents or provide further clarification on existing entries. It is based on currently available and accessible information. The Mediterranean naval war was a complex and fluid environment, leading to uncertainties in some cases.