On 25 December 1940, whilst part of the escort to convoy WS-5A, a troop convoy to the Middle East, Berwick was in a surface engagement with the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper about 700 nautical miles west of Cape Finisterre, Spain 43°39'N, 25°08'W.
Despite being thoroughly ready for combat Berwick got the worst of the encounter.
HMS Berwick
During a 35 Minute engagement she scored no hits on Admiral Hipper, and sustained a fair amount of damage, being hit by several 8-inch (which for the most part passed right through the ship) and 4.1-inch shells.
Admiral Hipper
The action did however, drive off Admiral Hipper, and saved the convoy from any losses. Four of her complement a Royal Marines gun crew were killed and she had to return to Britain for repairs, which lasted until June 1941
December 1940
21st Took passage to join military convoy WS5A as relief for HM Cruiser NAIAD.
24th Joined HM Cruisers DUNEDIN and BONAVENTURE in Ocean Escort for WS5A.
25th Convoy came under attack by German cruiser HIPPER at dawn and was scattered.
Engaged HIPPER and hit by 4 shells in return fire causing casualties. After structure and gun mountings damaged with some flooding.
Marine Denis BROOM: PO/X 2701: Corporal Robert DAVISON: PO/X 762: Marine Reginald LYONS: PO/X 1825: , Sergeant Charles PAINTER: PO/X 22435,
all killed
31st Landed wounded at Gibraltar and taken in hand for temporary repair.