Viking halberd "spear". The "kesja" was another halberd-type weapon. The name is thought to come from Celtic-Latin "gæsum". The Cleasby and Vigfússon dictionary notes that ""kesja", "atgeir" and "höggspjót" appear to be the same thing". It's interesting to note that "Egils saga" shows the "kesja" being thrown like a javelin or spear, and describes it in detail, calling it also a "mail-piercer" ("brynþvarar"): The "kesja" would thus have a blade around 90 cm in length with a diamond cross-section at the end, and an additional spike attached to the socket, whose placement and purpose is not explained. The length of the weapons'
Operation Halberd Force H was attacked by three submarines; and "Adua" was sunk by "Gurkha" and "Legion". Another "Ark Royal" Fulmar fell to friendly fire from "Prince of Wales", raising British aircraft losses to three Fulmars from friendly fire and one Swordfish from enemy action. Italian aircraft losses were 21 including seven bombers and one fighter from enemy action, one fighter from friendly fire, and ten fighters from fuel exhaustion. Admiral Somerville was knighted in recognition of his successful command of Force H during Operation Halberd. It was the second time Somerville had received that honour; and occasioned this memorable congratulatory message