A Royal Navy officer has written to Navy News seeking anyone who served in HMS Valiant when she was attacked at Alexandria on December 19, 1941.

Lt James Edmondson has a particular interest in contacting members of her ship’s company, as he is currently serving in the Italian destroyer ITS Luigi Durand de la Penne as an exchange Officer of the Watch – and the warship is named after an Italian who displayed great courage for the cause of both the Axis powers and the Allies during World War II.

Lt Edmondson said: “My current ship was named after a Royal Italian Navy officer who on December 19, 1941, entered the harbour at Alexandria on a two-man torpedo and laid an explosive charge under her.

“The resulting explosion caused significant damage to this capital ship and took her out of service for five months.

“Serious casualties were avoided as de la Penne, who was captured after laying the charge and held on board, informed the Commanding Officer, Capt Morgan, before the charge was due to go off.

“Thus the crew were allowed to get to the safety of the upper deck when the explosion occurred.

“Interestingly, in 1944 de la Penne was repatriated from India and was reunited with Morgan, now an admiral commanding Taranto and the Adriatic. De la Penne fought for the Allies against the Italians loyal to Mussolini, and in particular played a gallant part in the attack on La Spezia.

“For this involvement, Admiral Morgan tried to get him a British decoration, but at the time no awards were being given to Italian naval officers, as Britain was still officially at war with the Italian nation.

“However, in March 1945, Morgan hosted a visit by the Crown Prince of Italy when de la Penne received the Gold Medal of Valour – equivalent to the Victoria Cross.

“After the citation was read, and as de la Penne was stepping forward, the Crown Prince said to Morgan: ‘Come on Morgan, this is your show!’

“Thus Morgan had the unique pleasure of presenting Italy’s highest award for gallantry to the brave man who tried to sink his ship three years and three months before.”

If you were a members of the Valiant’s ship’s company, or know of anyone who was, contact Lt J. A. Edmondson c/o UKNSU, AFSOUTH, BFPO 8.

The Italian destroyer which bears de la Penne’s name is one of two former Animoso-class ships whose names were changed to honour Italian heroes.

The original name of the Luigi Durand de la Penne (D560) was Animoso, and she was launched in 1989. Her sister ship, Francesco Mimbelli (D561), was formerly the Ardimentoso, and she was launched in 1991.

The ships displace 5,400 tonnes when fully loaded, have a top speed of 31 knots, and a ship’s company of almost 380.