Battle of Cape Matapan
In 1941, "Calcutta" and "Carlisle" took part in the Battle of Cape Matapan, in which a number of Italian warships were sunk. C-class cruisers also took part in the campaign and evacuation of Crete, coming up against heavy German opposition from the air. In 1942, "Carlisle" took part in the Second Battle of Sirte.