Italian Assault Craft, 1940-1945

Italian Assault Craft, 1940-1945 PDF Author: Erminio Bagnasco
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1399056115
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 234

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Book Description
In stark contrast to the rather modest performance of its large surface fleet in the Second World War, the Italian Navy’s smallest units achieved its most spectacular successes. It made a specialty of unconventional methods of attack – explosive motor boats, human torpedoes and miniature submarines – that were employed with ingenuity and daring to surprise, discomfort and baffle the enemy. In December 1941 the whole balance of the naval war in the Mediterranean was altered by six frogmen riding three of the SLC craft they called maiale (‘pigs’) who penetrated Alexandria harbor to cripple the battleships Valiant and Queen Elizabeth, surely one of the most impressive ratios of results to resources in naval history. This book is the first complete history of these craft, both the details of the technology and the history of their deployment. Beginning in the Great War with the extraordinary ‘jumping’ boats designed to scale harbor boom defenses, the story takes in the inter-war development of both lightweight surface craft and underwater systems from small submarines to ‘Gamma’ assault divers. By way of comparison, equivalent developments in other navies are analyzed, including the British ‘chariots’ which were little more than copies of the Italian SLCs. Every operation by these craft is described, cataloging the forces involved and the results, from high-profile successes like the sinking of the cruiser York by explosive motorboat to lesser-known incidents – the use of such craft by the Israelis as late as 1948 for example. Many were carried out by the famous Decima MAS, a unit as legendary in Italy as the SAS in Britain, and this book provides a comprehensive chronicle of their activities. Originally commissioned by CABI Cattaneo that designed and built most of these craft, Italian Assault Craft benefited from unrestricted access to the company’s archives, technical drawings, and photo collection so it is replete with rarely seen illustrations. Very much secret weapons in their day, they are here revealed in full detail for the first time.

Italian Assault Craft, 1940-1945

Italian Assault Craft, 1940-1945 PDF Author: Erminio Bagnasco
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1399056115
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 234

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Book Description
In stark contrast to the rather modest performance of its large surface fleet in the Second World War, the Italian Navy’s smallest units achieved its most spectacular successes. It made a specialty of unconventional methods of attack – explosive motor boats, human torpedoes and miniature submarines – that were employed with ingenuity and daring to surprise, discomfort and baffle the enemy. In December 1941 the whole balance of the naval war in the Mediterranean was altered by six frogmen riding three of the SLC craft they called maiale (‘pigs’) who penetrated Alexandria harbor to cripple the battleships Valiant and Queen Elizabeth, surely one of the most impressive ratios of results to resources in naval history. This book is the first complete history of these craft, both the details of the technology and the history of their deployment. Beginning in the Great War with the extraordinary ‘jumping’ boats designed to scale harbor boom defenses, the story takes in the inter-war development of both lightweight surface craft and underwater systems from small submarines to ‘Gamma’ assault divers. By way of comparison, equivalent developments in other navies are analyzed, including the British ‘chariots’ which were little more than copies of the Italian SLCs. Every operation by these craft is described, cataloging the forces involved and the results, from high-profile successes like the sinking of the cruiser York by explosive motorboat to lesser-known incidents – the use of such craft by the Israelis as late as 1948 for example. Many were carried out by the famous Decima MAS, a unit as legendary in Italy as the SAS in Britain, and this book provides a comprehensive chronicle of their activities. Originally commissioned by CABI Cattaneo that designed and built most of these craft, Italian Assault Craft benefited from unrestricted access to the company’s archives, technical drawings, and photo collection so it is replete with rarely seen illustrations. Very much secret weapons in their day, they are here revealed in full detail for the first time.

Italian Assault Craft, 1940-1945

Italian Assault Craft, 1940-1945 PDF Author: Erminio Bagnasco
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781399056083
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
In stark contrast to the modest performance of its large surface fleet in World War II, the Italian Navy's smallest units achieved its most spectacular successes. It made a specialty of unconventional methods of attack--explosive motorboats, human torpedoes, and miniature submarines--that were employed with ingenuity and daring to surprise, discomfort and baffle the enemy. In December 1941, the whole balance of the naval war in the Mediterranean was altered by six divers riding three of the SLC craft they called maiale ('pigs') who penetrated Alexandria harbor to cripple the battleships Valiant and Queen Elizabeth, surely one of the most impressive ratios of results to resources in naval history. This book is the first complete history of these craft, both the details of the technology and the history of their deployment. Beginning in the Great War with the extraordinary 'jumping' boats designed to scale harbor boom defenses, the story takes in the inter-war development of both lightweight surface craft and underwater systems from small submarines to 'Gamma' assault divers. By way of comparison, equivalent developments in other navies are analyzed, including the British 'chariots' which were little more than copies of the Italian SLCs. Every operation by these craft is described, cataloguing the forces involved and the results, from high-profile successes like the sinking of the cruiser York by explosive motorboat to lesser-known incidents - the use of such craft by the Israelis as late as 1948 for example. Many were carried out by the famous Decima MAS, a unit as legendary in Italy as the SAS in Britain, and this book provides a comprehensive chronicle of their activities. Originally commissioned by CABI Cattaneo that designed and built most of these craft, Italian Assault Craft benefited from unrestricted access to the company's archives, technical drawings, and photo collection so it is replete with rarely seen illustrations. Many secret weapons in their day are revealed here in full detail for the first time.

Italian Assault Craft, 1940–1945

Italian Assault Craft, 1940–1945 PDF Author: Erminio Bagnasco
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1399056093
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 529

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Book Description
In stark contrast to the rather modest performance of its large surface fleet in the Second World War, the Italian Navy’s smallest units achieved its most spectacular successes. It made a specialty of unconventional methods of attack – explosive motor boats, human torpedoes and miniature submarines – that were employed with ingenuity and daring to surprise, discomfort and baffle the enemy. In December 1941 the whole balance of the naval war in the Mediterranean was altered by six frogmen riding three of the SLC craft they called maiale (‘pigs’) who penetrated Alexandria harbor to cripple the battleships Valiant and Queen Elizabeth, surely one of the most impressive ratios of results to resources in naval history. This book is the first complete history of these craft, both the details of the technology and the history of their deployment. Beginning in the Great War with the extraordinary ‘jumping’ boats designed to scale harbor boom defenses, the story takes in the inter-war development of both lightweight surface craft and underwater systems from small submarines to ‘Gamma’ assault divers. By way of comparison, equivalent developments in other navies are analyzed, including the British ‘chariots’ which were little more than copies of the Italian SLCs. Every operation by these craft is described, cataloging the forces involved and the results, from high-profile successes like the sinking of the cruiser York by explosive motorboat to lesser-known incidents – the use of such craft by the Israelis as late as 1948 for example. Many were carried out by the famous Decima MAS, a unit as legendary in Italy as the SAS in Britain, and this book provides a comprehensive chronicle of their activities. Originally commissioned by CABI Cattaneo that designed and built most of these craft, Italian Assault Craft benefited from unrestricted access to the company’s archives, technical drawings, and photo collection so it is replete with rarely seen illustrations. Very much secret weapons in their day, they are here revealed in full detail for the first time.

Naval Power in the Twentieth Century

Naval Power in the Twentieth Century PDF Author: N.A.M. Rodger
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1349138606
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
It is a century since Mahan and his disciples taught the world that a battlefleet was indispensable to a great power. Great and not so great powers still keep powerful navies today, but we have no generally-accepted principles to explain why. In this book historians and naval officers from Britain, the United States and other countries study the use of naval power over a century, and ask what it is for, and what it can do. It will be essential reading for modern historians, policy-makers and strategists.

Midget Submarines of the Second World War

Midget Submarines of the Second World War PDF Author: Paul Kemp
Publisher: Chatham Publishing
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 136

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Book Description
The author looks at why major navies engaged in the development of midget submarines during World War II.

A Life of Admiral of the Fleet Andrew Cunningham

A Life of Admiral of the Fleet Andrew Cunningham PDF Author: Michael Simpson
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000159116
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 222

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Book Description
This book presents an account of the life of naval commander Andrew Cunningham, the best-known and most celebrated British admiral of the Second World War. It supplements Cunningham's papers by Cabinet and Admiralty records, papers of his service contemporaries and of Churchill.

Mussolini’s Navy

Mussolini’s Navy PDF Author: Maurizio Brescia
Publisher: Seaforth Publishing
ISBN: 1848321155
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
This book is a complete guide to the Regia Marina, the navy with which Italy fought the Second World War. Starting with the historical background, it describes how the navy developed, how it was organised, the facilities that supported it, and the operations it conducted both before and after the armistice in 1943. It also details all its ships, with full technical particulars, plans and photos. Furthermore, there are chapters on special topics like camouflage; uniforms, decorations and insignia; and a 'who's who' of important naval personalities; and the reference value of the book is enhanced by a comprehensive bibliography and guide to sources. The illustration is a noteworthy feature of the book as the author's collection of naval photographs is one of the best in Italy. He is also a fine draughtsman, and his ship plans and colour illustrations are both detailed and accurate, adding a particular appeal for modelmakers. Of all the main combatant navies of this era, the Italian is probably the most poorly represented in English publications, so this comprehensive handbook will be especially welcomed by the naval history community.

Mussolini's Navy

Mussolini's Navy PDF Author: Maurizio Brescia
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1473816505
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 561

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Book Description
“A simply magnificent book describing the Italian Navy of the Second World War, profiling all classes of vessels, from battleships . . . [to] submarines.” —Pegasus Archive This book is a complete guide to the Regia Marina, the navy with which Italy fought the Second World War. Starting with the historical background, it describes how the navy developed, how it was organized, the facilities that supported it, and the operations it conducted both before and after the armistice in 1943. It also details all its ships, with full technical particulars, plans and photos. Furthermore, there are chapters on special topics like camouflage; uniforms, decorations and insignia; and a “who’s who” of important naval personalities; and the reference value of the book is enhanced by a comprehensive bibliography and guide to sources. The illustration is a noteworthy feature of the book as the author’s collection of naval photographs is one of the best in Italy. He is also a fine draughtsman, and his ship plans and color illustrations are both detailed and accurate, adding a particular appeal for modelmakers. Of all the main combatant navies of this era, the Italian is probably the most poorly represented in English publications, so this comprehensive handbook will be especially welcomed by the naval community. “An overview of the wartime Italian Navy, including its bases and organization, ships and aircraft . . . an enjoyable book.” —Warships International Fleet Review “A major achievement and a milestone in the renaissance of Italian Naval history . . . [the] book is a gem and is thoroughly recommended.” —The Navy Vol 75

Italian Battleships

Italian Battleships PDF Author: Erminio Bagnasco
Publisher: Seaforth Publishing
ISBN: 152679988X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 658

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Book Description
With the publication of their previous book on the battleships of the Littorio class, the authors set new standards for the detailed coverage and sophisticated analysis of Italian warship design. Inspired by its success, both critically and commercially, the authors were inspired to follow up with a similar study of the earlier Italian battleships that were built in the First World War but survived to fight in the Second. Given the level of new research required, this has taken a decade to achieve but the result is a similarly comprehensive coverage. Originally comprising five ships in two related classes, they entered service at the beginning of the Great War. As designed, they were powerful examples of the second generation of dreadnoughts, with a combination of twin and triple turrets producing a unique main armament of thirteen 12-inch guns. One ship, Leonardo da Vinci, was sunk by an internal explosion at Taranto in 1916, and although the hull was raised post-war, the plan to rebuild the ship was abandoned as it was not deemed cost-effective. However, the remaining four ships were to undergo one of the most radical reconstructions of any battleship class during the 1930s, emerging with an entirely new profile, more powerful machinery and all the characteristics of a modern fast battleship. In this form they became an important element in the Italian fleet that opposed the British after 1940\. This book covers all the technical details of the ships, both as built and as rebuilt, but also provides an extended history of their active service, including battle plans and track charts. Thoroughly illustrated with photographs, ship and armament plans, detail drawings and colour camouflage schemes, the book is a fitting companion to The Littorio Class.

While They Were Young-A History of St .Charles and Her Service Personnel 1940-1945

While They Were Young-A History of St .Charles and Her Service Personnel 1940-1945 PDF Author: Kevin J. Gaffney
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1440194823
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 330

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Book Description
Kevin Gaffney of St. Charles, is pleased to announce his book entitled, While They Were Young-A History of St. Charles and Her Service Personnel 1940-1945. After more than two years of research and writing, Kevin is pleased with the final product that includes 2 DVDs of additional photos. The book includes a history of St. Charles from 1940 including contributions of the citizenry prior and during WWII, the personal accounts of many soldiers and service personnel, letters from the front, and information pertaining to those wounded in action and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The book will be available for sale at the St. Charles Heritage Center (630-584-6967) starting January 23, 2010 with a portion of the sales being donated to the Center by the author. The author will be conducting book signings and donating a copy of the book and DVD to the St. Charles Heritage Center, St. Charles Library and to at least two families of veterans. The price of the book is as follows: hardcover $32.95, soft cover $22.95, e-book $6.00. The DVDs are $10.00 per DVD. Kevin currently works as an adjunct professor of criminology at Judson University and for the Office of Regional Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. His government experience also included work for the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Unit in Chicago and the CFTC, Enforcement Division, in Washington, DC. He has taught U.S. History at two Christian high schools. He received his BA in political science from Stetson University and his MPA in public administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Kevin also has recorded professionally two CDs of trumpet music. Sony Music has included his version of the Star Spangled Banner in its recording selection, "Bonds Listen to This". Kevin serves on the St. Charles Heritage Board of Directors as Vice-President and also with the St. Charles Park Foundation. He has a passion to tell the stories of service personnel from not only WWII, but of other wars as they relate to St. Charles. Kevin currently resides with his family in St. Charles, Illinois, where he was born. His next book, to be published in the near distant future, will tell the story of St. Charles and her service personnel during WWI. He is also compiling additional material of WWII letters that will compliment the current title in another book also to be available next year. Requests for book signings and presentations pertaining to the book may be made by calling Kevin at 630-584-4797.