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As the campaign in Sicily got under way, the increase of surface and air traffic across the waters west o fMalta made the chances of a "Blue on Blue" incdent, when a British submarine was mistakenly attacked by friendly forces, all the more likely. On 2nd August 1943, HMS Unison left Bizerta and joined at Malta-bound convoy, along with HMS Unison, also a submarine. HMS Unison had taken up position as 'tail end Charlie'. An American tanker in the convoy mistook her for a German U-boat and opened fire. The shells burst onto the Unison's bridge; the First officer, Lt Commander King RNR died the following day of his injuries, the skipper Lt. Commander Daniells was severely injured, (he received the DSO) two lookouts fell down the coning tower incurring serious injuries and William Barnett was thrown across the engine room floor, badly injuring his back (he spent the next 15 years in a spinal support corset as a result). Despite his injuries, SPO Barnett manned the pumps on his own for 56 hours in enemy waters, stopping the seawater flooding into the forward compartments of the submarine until they were escorted back into Bizerta by the Polish destroyer Slazak. For his bravery under fire and dedication to duty, SPO Barnett was awarded the DSM at Buckingham Palace on 9th November, 1943 by King George VI.

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