HMAS SYDNEY, (cruiser), stood by while HMS YORK, (cruiser), sank the crippled Italian ship ARTIGLIERE, (destroyer). The enemy vessel was damaged in a night engagement with HMS AJAX, between Malta and Crete. AJAX was attacked by a mixed force of destroyers and torpedo boats, and is credited with the sinking of the large torpedo boats AIRONE and ARIEL, in addition to immobilising the ARTIGLIERE. HMAS VAMPIRE, (destroyer), picked up one officer and twenty-one ratings from the destroyer.