Operation Retribution

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During World War II, Operation Retribution was a series of air and naval attacks designed to prevent the German evacuation of North Africa through Tunis. The Africa Korps was surrounded and facing a final Allied attack (Operation Vulcan).

Admiral Cunningham, Royal Navy, began this operation on 7 May 1943 with the colorful signal to “Sink, burn and destroy. Let nothing pass.” The Germans were unable to mount a significant rescue effort. The Allies captured 897 men. Only 653 Germans are thought to have escaped to Italy. An unknown number drowned. See Operation Flax.