HMS Barham, a battleship of the Royal Navy, was operating in the Eastern Mediterranean supporting British operations during World War II. On November 25, the ship was part of a convoy off the coast of North Africa when it was struck by a torpedo fired from the German submarine U-331, commanded by Captain Hans-Dietrich von Tiesenhausen. The impact created a massive explosion, resulting in catastrophic damage to the ship. Witnesses reported that the ship was split in two, leading to a rapid sinking, culminating in a tragic loss of life onboard. The event highlighted the vulnerability of large surface vessels to submarine attacks during the war.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, rescue efforts were hampered by the chaotic conditions at sea. Out of a crew of more than 1,000 men, over 800 lost their lives, while a few were successfully rescued by nearby ships. The sinking of HMS Barham was a significant psychological blow to the British Navy, showcasing the effective capabilities of German U-boats in the Mediterranean theater of operations. This event reinforced the growing realization of the strategic importance of submarine warfare in naval engagements.

The sinking of HMS Barham also prompted discussions within the British naval command about the effectiveness of existing naval tactics and the need for improved anti-submarine warfare measures. The loss served as a catalyst for increasing the development of hunter-killer groups and better coordination between air and naval forces in the Mediterranean, which was becoming increasingly contested due to Axis expansions and operations in North Africa.