 The convoy had comprised two troopships, the and the Canadian Pacific liner , and the transport , (which was carrying ammunition), escorted by three warships.At about 2000 hrs on 11 July while west of Vigo, the convoy was subjected to a devastating air attack by three Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor aircraft from Merignac airfield near Bordeaux.By the time "Swale" arrived at 2235 hrs, both "California" and "Duchess of York" had been hit, set on fire, and abandoned, to be sunk later by torpedoes from their escorts.