Description
Book SynopsisA 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
Trade Review
...a succinct and engaging account of Italy’s destroyers during World War II. -- Rear Admiral RG Melley * The Naval Review *
Table of 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
