WWIINaval Archives
27–29 March 1941 • Mediterranean Sea

Battle of Cape Matapan

Decisive British Victory

Background

British codebreakers intercepted Italian plans to attack troop convoys bound for Greece. The Royal Navy ambushed the Italian fleet.

Naval Forces

Allies: 1 carrier, 3 battleships, 4 cruisers. Italy: 1 battleship, 6 heavy cruisers.

Historical Significance

Permanently crippled the Regia Marina's surface fleet capability, securing British dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean.