The Battle of Cape Matapan was a pivotal naval engagement during World War II, primarily involving the British Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy against the Royal Italian Navy. As Britain sought to safeguard its maritime routes in the Mediterranean, tensions escalated following Italy's entry into the war. The Allies recognized that controlling the Mediterranean was crucial for logistics, supply lines, and protecting territories such as Egypt and the Suez Canal. Therefore, the British aimed to deter Italian naval operations that threatened these interests.

On March 28, 1941, the naval encounter commenced when the Allies detected an Italian fleet under Admiral Angelo Iachino, which was attempting to intercept British shipping lanes. The operation was a part of a larger strategy dubbed 'Operation Excess,' which aimed to blockade and disrupt Axis supply and communication lines. The British forces, under Admiral Andrew Cunningham, were well-prepared with swift, modern ships and aircraft, positioning themselves to exploit any tactical advantage.

The battle unfolded with a series of confrontations at sea, where British forces utilized their intelligence, speed, and firepower effectively. They inflicted heavy casualties on the Italian fleet, sinking several vessels and showcasing the advantages of British naval strategies and technologies. The engagement lasted for multiple days, further diminishing Italian naval strength in the Mediterranean and marking a significant victory for the Allies. This engagement is remembered for not only its naval tactics but also for the effectiveness of combined operations involving air and sea forces.