Author: Francesco Mattesini
Publisher: Soldiershop Publishing
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 180
Book Description
In World War I, the Italian Regia Marina, employed the first rudimentary assault craft in the Adriatic, achieving flattering successes. The experiences gained were then enhanced from 1935 onward when the Regia Marina resumed the study and construction of insidious offensive means, including the Long-Course Torpedoes (SLCs). Called vulgarly “Maiali” (Pigs), the SLCs were later accompanied, by explosive barges, very fast MAS, special submarines. And still very effective departments of raiders, often dependent on the various MAS flotillas. Among them the Xa was the one that covered itself with greater glory in the attacks conducted on Gibraltar and Alexandria. In this book we tell the story of all these men and their special vehicles.
The assault ship of the X MAS Flotilla of the Italian Royal Navy
Author: Francesco Mattesini
Publisher: Soldiershop Publishing
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 180
Book Description
In World War I, the Italian Regia Marina, employed the first rudimentary assault craft in the Adriatic, achieving flattering successes. The experiences gained were then enhanced from 1935 onward when the Regia Marina resumed the study and construction of insidious offensive means, including the Long-Course Torpedoes (SLCs). Called vulgarly “Maiali” (Pigs), the SLCs were later accompanied, by explosive barges, very fast MAS, special submarines. And still very effective departments of raiders, often dependent on the various MAS flotillas. Among them the Xa was the one that covered itself with greater glory in the attacks conducted on Gibraltar and Alexandria. In this book we tell the story of all these men and their special vehicles.
Publisher: Soldiershop Publishing
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 180
Book Description
In World War I, the Italian Regia Marina, employed the first rudimentary assault craft in the Adriatic, achieving flattering successes. The experiences gained were then enhanced from 1935 onward when the Regia Marina resumed the study and construction of insidious offensive means, including the Long-Course Torpedoes (SLCs). Called vulgarly “Maiali” (Pigs), the SLCs were later accompanied, by explosive barges, very fast MAS, special submarines. And still very effective departments of raiders, often dependent on the various MAS flotillas. Among them the Xa was the one that covered itself with greater glory in the attacks conducted on Gibraltar and Alexandria. In this book we tell the story of all these men and their special vehicles.
World War II Sea War, Vol 10: Il Duce Deposed
Author: Gordon Smith
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1937470172
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 478
Book Description
Comprehensive list of day-to-day naval actions from July 1943 through September 1943. Major events include Allied invasions of Sicily and Italy, plus continued action in the Solomon and New Guinea Islands, and the US liberation of Kiska Island.
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1937470172
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 478
Book Description
Comprehensive list of day-to-day naval actions from July 1943 through September 1943. Major events include Allied invasions of Sicily and Italy, plus continued action in the Solomon and New Guinea Islands, and the US liberation of Kiska Island.
Ian Fleming and Operation Golden Eye
Author: Mark Simmons
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1612006868
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
The elaborate Allied schemes to keep Spain and Portugal out of WWII—featuring the real-life spy work of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond. Historian Mark Simmons reveals the various Allied operations designed to keep the Iberian Peninsula out of WWII. It is a tale of widespread bribery of high ranking Spanish officials, the duplicity of Adm. Wilhelm Canaris, head of the Abwehr, and an elaborate scheme developed by a Naval Intelligence commander who would later create the iconic spy character. Ian Fleming and Alan Hillgarth were the architects of Operation Golden Eye, the sabotage and disruption scheme that would have been put in place, had Germany invaded Spain. Fleming visited the Iberian Peninsula and Tangiers during the war, in what was arguably the closest he came to being a real secret agent. It was these visits that supplied much of the background material for his James Bond novels. Fleming even called his home on Jamaica where he created 007 “Goldeneye.” The book begins in October 1940, when Hitler met with Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. At that time, an alliance between Germany and Spain seemed possible. In response, Adm. Godfrey of British Naval Intelligence created Operation Tracer, in which a listening and observation post would be buried in the Rock of Gibraltar, should it fall to the Germans. Simmons also explores the SIS and SOE operations in Portugal and the vital Wolfram wars. Though Operation Golden Eye was eventually put on standby in 1943, its intrigue and intricacy are both fascinating and enlightening.
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1612006868
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
The elaborate Allied schemes to keep Spain and Portugal out of WWII—featuring the real-life spy work of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond. Historian Mark Simmons reveals the various Allied operations designed to keep the Iberian Peninsula out of WWII. It is a tale of widespread bribery of high ranking Spanish officials, the duplicity of Adm. Wilhelm Canaris, head of the Abwehr, and an elaborate scheme developed by a Naval Intelligence commander who would later create the iconic spy character. Ian Fleming and Alan Hillgarth were the architects of Operation Golden Eye, the sabotage and disruption scheme that would have been put in place, had Germany invaded Spain. Fleming visited the Iberian Peninsula and Tangiers during the war, in what was arguably the closest he came to being a real secret agent. It was these visits that supplied much of the background material for his James Bond novels. Fleming even called his home on Jamaica where he created 007 “Goldeneye.” The book begins in October 1940, when Hitler met with Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. At that time, an alliance between Germany and Spain seemed possible. In response, Adm. Godfrey of British Naval Intelligence created Operation Tracer, in which a listening and observation post would be buried in the Rock of Gibraltar, should it fall to the Germans. Simmons also explores the SIS and SOE operations in Portugal and the vital Wolfram wars. Though Operation Golden Eye was eventually put on standby in 1943, its intrigue and intricacy are both fascinating and enlightening.
World War II at Sea [2 volumes]
Author: Spencer C. Tucker
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 159884458X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 970
Book Description
The war at sea was a key aspect of World War II, one that is too-often under-studied. This comprehensive encyclopedia shares current understandings of the struggle to control the seas during that conflict—and it opens our eyes to the reasons sea power continues to be of critical importance today. Scholarly treatment of World War II is constantly changing as new materials inform new interpretations. At the same time, current military operations lead to reevaluation of the tactics and technologies of the past. Marshalling the latest information and insights into this epic conflict, World War II at Sea: An Encyclopedia will enable students and other interested readers to explore specific naval engagements, while also charting the transformation of naval history through innovations in ordnance. In treating the naval aspects of World War II, this two-volume ready reference enhances the understanding of a part of the war that is often overshadowed by the fighting on land and in the air. The encyclopedia focuses on the events, individuals, organizations, and ideas that shaped the world's navies during World War II, as well as the resultant battles that changed naval history. It also covers the numerous innovations that occurred during the conflict and shows how strategies evolved and were executed.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 159884458X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 970
Book Description
The war at sea was a key aspect of World War II, one that is too-often under-studied. This comprehensive encyclopedia shares current understandings of the struggle to control the seas during that conflict—and it opens our eyes to the reasons sea power continues to be of critical importance today. Scholarly treatment of World War II is constantly changing as new materials inform new interpretations. At the same time, current military operations lead to reevaluation of the tactics and technologies of the past. Marshalling the latest information and insights into this epic conflict, World War II at Sea: An Encyclopedia will enable students and other interested readers to explore specific naval engagements, while also charting the transformation of naval history through innovations in ordnance. In treating the naval aspects of World War II, this two-volume ready reference enhances the understanding of a part of the war that is often overshadowed by the fighting on land and in the air. The encyclopedia focuses on the events, individuals, organizations, and ideas that shaped the world's navies during World War II, as well as the resultant battles that changed naval history. It also covers the numerous innovations that occurred during the conflict and shows how strategies evolved and were executed.
Air War Malta
Author: Jon Sutherland
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1783031816
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 249
Book Description
This is the story of the historic air defense of Malta by the WRAF against the combined attacking forces of the Italian and German air forces. The island was poorly equipped when Italy declared war on Britain in June 1940 and its only defense against air attack at the outset of war were 34 heavy and 8 light antiaircraft guns, one radar set and four Gladiator biplane fighters. The first air raids came on 11 July and from then on were an almost daily feature of life for the Maltese occupants and the island was in a state of siege. The loss of this strategic point in the central Mediterranean would threaten the major supply routes to the British Army in North Africa and deprive the Royal Navy of a vital base. Although hard-pressed at home and standing alone against Hitlers Europe, every effort was made by Britains government to get supplies, munitions and replacement aircraft to enable the island to withstand the naval and airborne onslaught. Convoy after convoy attempted to get through, Hurricane and Spitfire fighters were launched from aircraft carriers with only sufficient fuel for a one-way trip to the island. Many did not survive these heroic flights. Many famous British ships were lost due to torpedo and air attack, including the carriers Ark Royal and Eagle and the battleship Barham. The siege was finally raised on 20 November 1942.This book follows the islands wartime history, describing the heavily outnumbered WRAF defense against the many air-raids and how the small bomber force took the battle to Italian shores. It is a tale of outstanding bravery by the British forces and the Maltese people.
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1783031816
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 249
Book Description
This is the story of the historic air defense of Malta by the WRAF against the combined attacking forces of the Italian and German air forces. The island was poorly equipped when Italy declared war on Britain in June 1940 and its only defense against air attack at the outset of war were 34 heavy and 8 light antiaircraft guns, one radar set and four Gladiator biplane fighters. The first air raids came on 11 July and from then on were an almost daily feature of life for the Maltese occupants and the island was in a state of siege. The loss of this strategic point in the central Mediterranean would threaten the major supply routes to the British Army in North Africa and deprive the Royal Navy of a vital base. Although hard-pressed at home and standing alone against Hitlers Europe, every effort was made by Britains government to get supplies, munitions and replacement aircraft to enable the island to withstand the naval and airborne onslaught. Convoy after convoy attempted to get through, Hurricane and Spitfire fighters were launched from aircraft carriers with only sufficient fuel for a one-way trip to the island. Many did not survive these heroic flights. Many famous British ships were lost due to torpedo and air attack, including the carriers Ark Royal and Eagle and the battleship Barham. The siege was finally raised on 20 November 1942.This book follows the islands wartime history, describing the heavily outnumbered WRAF defense against the many air-raids and how the small bomber force took the battle to Italian shores. It is a tale of outstanding bravery by the British forces and the Maltese people.
The Italian Navy in World War II
Author: James J. Sadkovich
Publisher: Praeger
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 424
Book Description
This revisionist history convincingly argues that the Regia Marina Italiana (the Royal Italian Navy) has been neglected and maligned in assessments of its contributions to the Axis effort in World War II. After all, Italy was the major Axis player in the Mediterranean, and it was the Italian navy and air force, with only sporadic help from their German ally, that stymied the British navy and air force for most of the thirty-nine months that Italy was a belligerent. It was the Royal Italian Navy that provided the many convoys that kept the Axis war effort in Africa alive by repeatedly braving attack by aircraft, submarine, and surface vessels. If doomed by its own technical weaknesses and Ultra (the top-secret British decoding device), the Italian navy still fought a tenacious and gallant war; and if it did not win that war, it avoided defeat for thirty-nine, long, frustrating months.
Publisher: Praeger
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 424
Book Description
This revisionist history convincingly argues that the Regia Marina Italiana (the Royal Italian Navy) has been neglected and maligned in assessments of its contributions to the Axis effort in World War II. After all, Italy was the major Axis player in the Mediterranean, and it was the Italian navy and air force, with only sporadic help from their German ally, that stymied the British navy and air force for most of the thirty-nine months that Italy was a belligerent. It was the Royal Italian Navy that provided the many convoys that kept the Axis war effort in Africa alive by repeatedly braving attack by aircraft, submarine, and surface vessels. If doomed by its own technical weaknesses and Ultra (the top-secret British decoding device), the Italian navy still fought a tenacious and gallant war; and if it did not win that war, it avoided defeat for thirty-nine, long, frustrating months.
Italian Assault Craft, 1940-1945
Author: Erminio Bagnasco
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1399056115
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 234
Book Description
In stark contrast to the rather modest performance of its large surface fleet in the Second World War, the Italian Navyâs smallest units achieved its most spectacular successes. It made a specialty of unconventional methods of attack â explosive motor boats, human torpedoes and miniature submarines â 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 (âpigsâ) 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 âjumpingâ 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 âGammaâ assault divers. By way of comparison, equivalent developments in other navies are analyzed, including the British âchariotsâ 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 â 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 companyâs 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.
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1399056115
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 234
Book Description
In stark contrast to the rather modest performance of its large surface fleet in the Second World War, the Italian Navyâs smallest units achieved its most spectacular successes. It made a specialty of unconventional methods of attack â explosive motor boats, human torpedoes and miniature submarines â 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 (âpigsâ) 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 âjumpingâ 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 âGammaâ assault divers. By way of comparison, equivalent developments in other navies are analyzed, including the British âchariotsâ 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 â 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 companyâs 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.
Sea Devils
Author: Iunio Valerio Borghese
Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
A fascinating memoir of service with the "human torpedoes" of the Italian Navy's Tenth Light Flotilla.
Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
A fascinating memoir of service with the "human torpedoes" of the Italian Navy's Tenth Light Flotilla.
Warship 2018
Author: John Jordan
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472830016
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
An annual publication featuring the latest research on the history, development and service of the world's warships. Warship 2018 is devoted to the design, development and service history of the world's combat ships. Featuring a broad range of articles from a select panel of distinguished international contributors, this latest volume combines original research, new book reviews, warship notes, an image gallery and much more to maintain the impressive standards of scholarship and research from the field of warship history. This 40th edition features the usual range of diverse articles spanning the subject by an international array of expert authors.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472830016
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
An annual publication featuring the latest research on the history, development and service of the world's warships. Warship 2018 is devoted to the design, development and service history of the world's combat ships. Featuring a broad range of articles from a select panel of distinguished international contributors, this latest volume combines original research, new book reviews, warship notes, an image gallery and much more to maintain the impressive standards of scholarship and research from the field of warship history. This 40th edition features the usual range of diverse articles spanning the subject by an international array of expert authors.
The Naval War in the Mediterranean, 1940–1943
Author: Jack Greene
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1805000721
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
This superbly researched book gives a complete account of the war in the Mediterranean on, above and beneath the sea up until Italy's armistice in September 1943. Written with full access to Italian sources, it not only provides a detailed and fascinating narrative of the entire naval war, but also sets the individual actions fully in their strategic context for both the Axis and the Allies. Topics include: • The complex and distrustful relationship between the Italians and their German allies which culminated in open conflict after the Italian armistice in 1943. • The battle for Malta, and that island's vital strategic role threatening Axis supply lines to North Africa. • The exploits of the Italian human torpedoes of the X MAS flotilla, which threatened to change the balance of power in the Mediterranean. This book is essential reading for all those interested in one of the major naval theaters of the Second World War.
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1805000721
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
This superbly researched book gives a complete account of the war in the Mediterranean on, above and beneath the sea up until Italy's armistice in September 1943. Written with full access to Italian sources, it not only provides a detailed and fascinating narrative of the entire naval war, but also sets the individual actions fully in their strategic context for both the Axis and the Allies. Topics include: • The complex and distrustful relationship between the Italians and their German allies which culminated in open conflict after the Italian armistice in 1943. • The battle for Malta, and that island's vital strategic role threatening Axis supply lines to North Africa. • The exploits of the Italian human torpedoes of the X MAS flotilla, which threatened to change the balance of power in the Mediterranean. This book is essential reading for all those interested in one of the major naval theaters of the Second World War.