Both ships, badly damaged, fell behind the main convoy and were sunk by U-438 several hours later.

The main convoy was spotted the following day by U-38, which sank the SS Aenos.

It was some time before the first vessel of the main convoy came wallowing round the bend behind them.

Aenos, straggling behind the main convoy, was the first of these ships to be sunk.

Although the British had a close encounter with Japanese heavy surface units, the force failed to find and destroy the main convoy.

Sailfish fired a three-torpedo spread "down the throat" and headed toward the main convoy.

The attacking aircraft had failed to locate the main convoy.

The Germans were on their way to attack the main convoy, and thought they could finish the lone straggler easily.

Much to the surprise of the crew, HMS Vesper had broken off from the main convoy to help.

Having located the main convoy they took up position with the moon silhouetting the convoy.