Friday, 12 March

Light cruisers AURORA, SIRIUS with destroyers LIGHTNING and LOYAL were operating off Bizerte when LIGHTNING (Cdr H G Walters DSC) was sunk by German motor torpedo boat S.55 north of Bizerte in 37-53N, 9-50E. Four ratings were killed, one died of wounds, and Ty/Sub Lt D Callow RNZNVR, Lt J P S Cundell and eighteen ratings were missing. Eight ratings were wounded, and LOYAL rescued 170 survivors.