The British intelligence did a good job on decoding the secret message, the Italians couldn't have prevented it , but the Germans had someone to blame I suppose.
On the other hand, if the escorts fled that's another matter, but I doubt they would have sacrificed so many to save their asses, or woud they really have? If theyewere rookies, those to blame would have been the commanders, as it would have been suicide to send those to escort such a valuable load. Therefore I focuss on other theories such as: orders to abandon, petrol shortage, a simultaneous attack at a diffrent place, a delayed escort that left the Gigants alone, a navigation mistake ?
Me-109s from Italian units you say.

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