In a daring nocturnal operation, Italian divers infiltrated the British naval fleet's stronghold at Alexandria harbour, strategically placing limpet mines on the battleships HMS Valiant and HMS Queen Elizabeth. This operation, known as Operation GB, marked a significant moment in the maritime warfare theater of World War II, exemplifying the innovative tactics employed by the Italian Navy. On the night of the attack, the divers approached stealthily, utilizing their skills to attach the explosive devices beneath the ships' hulls. As a result, both battleships sustained heavy damage, ultimately leading to significant repairs and affecting British naval operations in the Mediterranean for extended periods.
The timing of this assault was crucial, as the British fleet was heavily engaged in defending interests against Axis powers in the region. The successful execution of the operation not only boosted the morale of Italian forces but also highlighted vulnerabilities in British naval defenses. The limpet mines detonated the following day, resulting in a temporary incapacitation of two of the Royal Navy's most significant assets, altering the dynamics of naval power in the Mediterranean theatre and prompting increased security measures in strategic ports.