Cape Matapan 1941

Cunningham’s Mediterranean Triumph

Cape Matapan 1941 cover

Description

The first ever illustrated study of the largest and most significant clash between the Royal Navy and the Italian Regia Marina.

The Battle of Matapan witnessed the first use of decisive new technologies to bring about a stunning British victory over the Italian Navy. The Allies had tapped into the Ultra coded messages sent by the Axis powers, and the battle witnessed the use of radar and carrier-based air strikes to bring about a critical night action. The result was the most decisive engagement of the Mediterranean naval war.

Written by renowned naval historian Angus Konstam, this book offers for the first time a unique and fully illustrated exploration of the battle. It also examines why, despite the emphatic and decisive Royal Navy victory, the Allies failed to capitalize on the strategic advantage earned in the months that followed. Battlescene artworks bring to life the cruiser clashes early on 28 March off Gavdos, the Fleet Air Arm attacks on the Italian fleet, and the 28/29 March night action that resulted in the destruction of Admiral Carlo Cattaneo's ships – Italy's worst naval defeat. The progress of the action from the initial Operation Gaudo sweep by Italy's powerful battle fleet towards Crete (aimed at disrupting Allied convoys) to the events of the climactic battle itself is revealed in detailed maps.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
Origins of the campaign
CHRONOLOGY
OPPOSING COMMANDERS
Regia Marina
Royal Navy
OPPOSING FORCES
Regia Marina
Royal Navy
Orders of Battle
OPPOSING PLANS
Regia Marina
Royal Navy
THE BATTLE OF CAPE MATAPAN
First contact
Pursuits and ambushes
The first air strikes
The general chase
The afternoon air strikes
The dusk strike
Cattaneo's mission
The night action
AFTERMATH
COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE
FURTHER READING
INDEX

Product details

Published Dec 19 2023
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472857231
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour illustrations throughout, including battlescene artworks, maps, 3D diagrams and photographs.
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Campaign
Short code CAM 397
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Angus Konstam

Angus Konstam is a Fellow of the Royal Historical…

Illustrator

Adam Tooby

Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital…

Resources

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