Guns Up, Depth Charges Readied: U.S. Navy, Commonwealth, and Other Allied Escort Ships Shepherding Convoys, and Battling German and Italian Air and Na - Paperbackby David Bruhn (Author) During the deadly Battle of the Mediterranean fought from 10 June 1940 to 2 May 1945, sailors aboard Allied ships faced daily threat of attack by Italian or German aircraft at daybreak and dusk; by enemy submarines at any time; and by coastal forces when operating near shore. The Royal Navy, facing the powerful Italian Navy supported by German naval and air forces, called on Commonwealth and other Allied navies for assistance.