Force H
Ships of the Mediterranean Fleet operating from Alexandria began making heavy radio traffic in the hope of diverting "Luftwaffe" attention to possible preparations for a major operation in the eastern Mediterranean. On 24 September Admiral Somerville shifted his flag from "Nelson" to "Rodney" and "Nelson" sailed west into the Atlantic at 18:15 escorted by "Garland", "Piorun" and "Isaac Sweers" to give the impression the strength of Force H was being reduced. "Nelson" turned back after dusk to join the merchant ships from convoy WS 11X, now redesignated convoy GM 2 as the second convoy from Gibraltar to Malta. Force H separated from the merchant ships in the early hours of 25 September so Axis aerial reconnaissance might think only Force H was at sea. Fulmars from "Ark Royal" provided air cover over the convoy.