The most decisive engagement between surface ships in the Mediterranean during World War II was undoubtedly the Battle of Cape Matapan (27–29 March, 1941). The Battle Summary, written post war, draws on reports of action on both sides. Reproduced in full in Dark Seas, this is a detailed and thoughtful insight into one of the last fleet engagements in naval history. The vivid and compelling text includes sighting reports, messages between Italian and German Naval staffs and lists of ships, alongside the original tracking charts and diagrams. Prince Philip, who served in the action contributed the introduction setting the scene and explaining the significance of the historical document and of the battle itself.