Force K | |
---|---|
Active | 1939–1942 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | Royal Navy |
Garrison/HQ | Gibraltar |
Engagements | Battle 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 Axis air attacks on Malta led to Force K being reduced and on 8 April 1942, the last ship of the force was withdrawn.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.