The "Regia Aeronautica" launched a strike of 28 SM.79 and SM.84 torpedo planes with 20 Cr.42 fighters. The convoy came under air attack at 13:00. The strike was met by defending Fulmars and heavy anti-aircraft fire. Three bombers pressed through the barrage of starboard wing destroyers to launch torpedoes at "Nelson". "Nelson" turned to comb the torpedo tracks, and inadvertently steadied on the reciprocal course of a torpedo which struck the port side of the forecastle. "Nelson" slowed to 15 knots, but maintained position in the convoy. The Italian plane had released the torpedo at a range of only and endured concentrated anti-aircraft fire from "Prince of Wales" before being shot down by one of the Fulmars. Six more torpedo planes and 1 fighter failed to return from the strike. Friendly fire from "Rodney" and "Prince of Wales" shot down two Fulmars, and a patrolling Swordfish had been shot down by the Italian fighters before the strike ended at 13:30.