In September 1943, she took part in operations connected with the invasion of the Italian mainland and the landings at Taranto, Operation Slapstick on 9 September, and after the fast minelayer was sunk by a mine in Taranto harbour, "Paladin" served as headquarters ship and guardship at Taranto. On 26 November, "Paladin", together with the cruiser and the destroyers and shelled targets north of the Garigliano river. "Paladin" also carried out bombardments in the Gulf of Gaeta on 1 December.