 The SM 79s attacked after one had been shot down by two Beaufighters and three more were shot down by ships' gunners, along with two bombers.German bombers in Libya flew against Vigorous from which gave some respite to the Eighth Army as it retreated towards the Egyptian frontier but left RAF landing grounds around Gambut vulnerable to attack.As the SM 79s departed, Vian signalled to Harwood that Force A and the convoy had less than of their ammunition left and at Harwood ordered Operation Vigorous to be abandoned and the ships to return to Alexandria.