Description

Italy's navy, the Regia Marina was the fourth-largest naval force in the world at the outbreak of World War II, and yet is often overlooked and largely discounted as ineffective. In general the fleet was made up of obsolete vessels, lacked radar functionality, and had a reputation for indiscipline and poorly trained crews. The complex and bureaucratic command system imposed on the fleet further hampered its effectiveness. In this book, Mark Stille details why the Italian battleships were able to maintain a solid reputation, examining their impressive designs and the courage and determination of the fleet at Calabria, Sirte, Cape Spartiveto and Cape Matapan, all illustrated with stunning photographs from the Italian Navy's own archives.

Product details

Published Aug 20 2011
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781849083812
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 44 b/w
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 182
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Mark Stille

Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey title…

Illustrator

Paul Wright

Paul Wright has painted ships of all kinds for mos…

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