'Annoyance' was an Allied part of a programme of naval gunfire bombardments directed on Axis positions on Italy’s west coast in the period immediately before and during the launch of 'Avalanche' (9 August 1943).

In 'Annoyance', the light cruisers Aurora and Penelope, operating as Force 'Q', shelled Axis positions at Castellammare di Stabia to the south-east of Naples.