to the highest loss rate. For example, 13 boats were lost in the Mediterranean, despite the fact that large enemy vessels were very vulnerable in that sea. Nevertheless, the T Class was particularly successful against submarines, and 13 boats (six of which were Barrow-built) sank 13 enemy submarines: six Italian, four German and three Japanese.
In January 1943, Thunderbolt (ex Thetis) transported 'chariot'-type assault craft which penetrated the harbour of Palermo and sank the hull of the Italian light cruiser Ulpio Traiano, which was being fitted out. Other major successes included the sinking of two cruisers - the 5700-ton Kuma and the 13 000-ton Ashigara - by the 'Barrovians' Tally-Ho and Trenchant respectively, whilst, in August 1941, another Vickers boat, the Triumph, managed to seriously damage the 12 000-ton cruiser
