"Italian Air Attack on British Convoy Proves Futile and Costs Eleven Bombers. September 1941, on Board the Cruiser HMS Hermione. on Its Way Through the Mediterranean a Large British Convoy To Malta (operation Halberd), With a Royal Navy Escort Under the Command of Vice Admiral Sir James Somerville, Was Discovered by An Italian Reconnaissance Aircraft. Later An Intense Attack From the Air Was Attempted by the Italians, But the Aircraft From HMS Ark Royal, and the Anti Aircraft Fire From the Warships, Got the Convoy Through." The Convoy on its way eastward through the Mediterranean.