Well, Young Henry demanded a rematch after last week's action so we played Cape Spada again, this time with me as the Italians. And what a scrap it was!
This shows the set up at the beginning; the Italian cruisers enjoying their Aegean cruise, only to have it spoilt by the Brits and Aussies.
I apologise for the quality of the photos – my camera phone isn't too good, I'm afraid. I do like the Italians – much maligned, but I reckon mostly it's jealousy! Food, wine, sunshine, ladies and – most of all – cool barber's pole air recognition stripes.
I should mention I only had later Condottieri cruisers to stand in, so these aren't quite right.
Young Henry had his destroyers in a diamond formation, which proved quite flexible. Hyperion and Hasty headed south to cut me off, while Hero and Ilex went wide on the flank. I just headed to my 'safe' area, keeping in mind Henry's rash charge last week. That said, I still wanted a game, so I slowed to around 20 knots to spend some time pounding the destroyers as they came in close – a cheeky kill and then withdraw to safety for pizza and medals.
But I badly misjudged it in my hubris.
In the end I allowed Henry to get in too close and paid the price; Colleoni was crippled by torpedoes from Hasty and Bande Nere, following close behind, had to cut her speed and put hard over to starboard to avoid hitting her.
The other destroyers closed in, Hasty being sunk by gunfire from the Colleoni, but Hero loosed off her deadly fish and Colleoni was done for, with Bande Nere being slowed by torpedoes from Ilex.
Bande Nere limped away with the aptly named HMS Hero harrying her all the way. She was able to get a lucky torpedo hit on Hyperion, sending her to the bottom, but by this time HMAS Sydney had arrived with HMS Havock.
Furiously making smoke I was very lucky to escape; Sydney hit at long range with her forward 6" guns, but Henry turned to present his broadside, allowing me to slip out of range!
That was pretty much the last throw of the dice, so to speak. I slipped off the table, Young Henry and I exchanged salutes and shook hands. Honours to Britain and the Commonwealth (again!) but my Italians put up a hard fight. It was my mistake that led to defeat, so I've transferred myself to a shore command for a week…
Next time…? Maybe a take on the Espero Convoy.
Equal speed charlie london,
Jonesey
