Full Description
A new illustrated history and analysis of Italy's World War II destroyers, a formidable foe for Allied forces attempting to attack the sea lanes between Italy and North Africa.
The Italian Royal Navy (Regia Marine or RM) began the Second World War with one of the largest fleets in the world. Included in it was a total of 59 fleet destroyers, with others added during the war. These were a diverse collection of ships dating back to the First World War with large destroyers built to counter ships of similar size introduced in the French Navy (the RM's historical enemy), and medium-sized ships which constituted the bulk of the destroyer force. RM destroyers were built for high speed, not endurance since they were only expected to operate inside the Mediterranean. They were also well-armed, but lacked radar.
During the war, RM destroyers fought well. With the exception of a small force based in Abyssinia which fought a series of battles in the Red Sea against the British, RM destroyers were active in the Mediterranean. The primary mission of the RM during the war was to keep the supply lines to North Africa open. The Italians were largely successful in this effort, and destroyers were key. RM destroyers were present at every fleet action with the British Mediterranean Fleet. The intensity of these actions is reflected by the fact that the RM lost 51 destroyers during the war.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
RM DESTROYER DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
RM destroyer weapons
RM destroyer radar
RM DESTROYERS AT WAR
The Battle of Calabria
The Battle of Cape Spartivento (Battle of Cape Teulada to the RM)
Debacle at Matapan
Convoy battles
First and Second Battles of Sirte
The final phase
The Red Sea
RM DESTROYERS
Mirabello class
Leone class
Sella class
Sauro class
Turbine class
Navigatori class
Freccia class
Folgore class
Maestrale class
Oriani class
Soldati class (1st and 2nd series)
Comandanti class
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX
