The Fulmar was one of several British aircraft to participate in the North African Campaign. During September 1940, the Fulmar first saw action while flying convoy protection patrols to and from the island of Malta. When reinforcements were being dispatched to Malta, Fulmars guided flights of carrier-launched Hurricane and Spitfire replacement fighters. Across multiple engagements, the relatively sturdy Fulmar was able to achieve dozens of victories against its Italian and German adversaries. The first recorded kill by a Fulmar was scored on 2 September 1940. By October of that year, Fulmar pilots had claimed the shooting down of ten Italian bombers. The type proved particularly effective against Italian reconnaissance aircraft. During the Battle of Taranto, the Fulmar was deployed to provide top cover for the attacking Swordfish torpedo bombers. Later on, the type also participated in the Battle of Cape Matapan, escorting the FAA's attack aircraft against the Italian Navy.