Force K

Force K
HMS Renown was part of the first Force K
Active1939–1942
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Navy
Garrison/HQGibraltar
EngagementsBattle of the Atlantic
Battle of the River Plate
Battle of the Mediterranean
Battle of the Duisburg Convoy
First Battle of Sirte
Operation Stoneage
Commanders
Notable
commanders
William Agnew
Henry Harwood
Andrew Cunningham

Force K was the name given to three British Royal Navy groups of ships during the Second World War. The first Force K operated from West Africa in 1939, to intercept commerce raiders. The second Force K was formed in October 1941 at Malta, to operate against convoys sailing from Italy to Libya. Axis air attacks on Malta led to Force K being reduced and on 8 April 1942, the last ship of the force was withdrawn. After a convoy was run to Malta in Operation Stoneage (16–20 November) Force K was re-established against Axis convoys.