The 14 MSF by july '43 comprised Seaham and 3 turbine Bangors, Boston, Cromarty and Poole, all actively employed in the mid Med region as the tide turned against the Axis forces, sweeping and escort duties continued apace, anti submarine duties and the capture of Italian submarines were not,strictly speaking, part of their operational orders.
Through the inter war years the Italians built an impressive fleet of assorted sommergibilie (submarines), which on 10 june 1940 when they joined the conflict numbered 115 in total, only the Russians had more. The largest group was the Bernardis 600 ton type, the final class comprising 13 Acciaio boats including Bronzo.
The RN submarine P49 was renamed Unruly in feb 1943, Winston was most insistent all British subs had a monocle rather than a number, and having completed 1 patrol in home waters was sent to join the fray in the agreeably warmer Med waters where during her 5th patrol on 11 july sighted Bronzo sufaced, carried out an attack loosing 4 fish, which alas, all missed.
Bronzo had scarcely 24 hours remaining under the Regias flag when off Syracuse she surfaced amongst the 14 MSF ships to be warmly greeted by hot lead from the accommodating sweepers. This was never going to end well, Seaham fired 4 x 3" with 3 hits, 40 x 2 pdr, 650 x 0.5" and 12 x 20mm oerlikon, Boston loosed 7 x 3", 50 x 2pdr and 120 x 20mm with numerous hits between them.
Bronzo lowered her ensign to be secured alongside Seaham...
The capture of enemy warships in WW2 was uncommon, your adversary would invariably sink unlike the wooden walls days, the aggressor always worth capturing for the bounty.
Bronzo was the 3rd Italian submarine captured in action by the RN, none proved of operational value under the white ensign.
Thats all folks. Sean.