On November 26, 1943, the British troopship HMT Rohna was struck by German Luftwaffe aircraft in the Mediterranean Sea while en route to the North African coast. The attack took place north of Béjaïa, Algeria, during WWII, as the Allies were engaged in extensive military operations in the region. HMT Rohna was carrying thousands of soldiers and military personnel, illustrating the importance of maritime logistics in supporting ground forces.

The ship was hit by a bomb from a German bomber, causing catastrophic damage and ultimately leading to the vessel's sinking. Survivors faced additional challenges in the chaotic aftermath, including the perilous waters and the threat of enemy forces. Despite desperate rescue efforts, over a thousand of the ship's occupants did not survive the attack. The incident demonstrated the vulnerability of troop transport vessels to air strikes, necessitating changes in naval strategies during warfare.

The sinking of HMT Rohna was a stark reminder of the perils faced by military transport ships and the high stakes involved in ensuring the movement of troops and supplies. The extensive loss of life galvanized efforts to improve air defenses for such vessels and prompted strategic shifts in the management of military convoys under threat of enemy aircraft.