 They had just cleared the straits with JG 2's period of responsibility coming to an end when the German warships came under air attack.6 torpedo carrying Fairey Swordfish of 825 Squadron under the command of Eugene Esmonde approached at low level.The Swordfish had set off to the target alone, but by good fortune were spotted en route by 72 Squadron commanding officer Brian Kingcome, who attempted to cover them on their way in with his 10 Spitfires.