Operation Vigorous
In June 1942, the pre-First World War battleship was disguised as "Anson" in the Mediterranean Sea, acting as a decoy during Operation Vigorous. In July 1943 "Anson" took part in the diversionary moves designed to draw attention away from the preparations for Operation Husky, and in October that year, with "Duke of York" and the US cruiser , provided cover for Operation Leader, in which the US aircraft carrier mounted air strikes against German shipping off Norway. In February 1944, in company with the and a force of cruisers and destroyers, "Anson" stood by in the same capacity while aircraft from the aircraft carrier carried out air strikes against German targets in Norway during Operation Bayleaf, and on 3 April she provided cover for Operation Tungsten, a successful air strike against the , during which she served as flagship for Vice Admiral Sir Henry Moore.