Four merchantmen were to be escorted, initially by a total of nine warships, including Petard. The escort was reinforced with the addition of three cruisers and 14 more destroyers which set course for Malta on 17 November.
The convoy of four merchant ships was escorted by nine warships, including Petard. Additional support arrived in the form of three cruisers and 14 destroyers, which departed for Malta on November 17th.