Italian Battleships of World War II (New Vanguard) (Paperback)
$19.00
Special Order - may be out of print
Other Books in Series
This is book number 182 in the New Vanguard series.
- #109: Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers 1921–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #130: US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1942–45: WWII-built ships (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #135: Imperial Japanese Navy Submarines 1941–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #146: Imperial Japanese Navy Battleships 1941-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #176: Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #187: Imperial Japanese Navy Light Cruisers 1941–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #202: Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2): Asashio to Tachibana Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #210: US Heavy Cruisers 1941–45: Pre-war Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #214: US Heavy Cruisers 1943–75: Wartime and Post-war Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #220: US Standard-type Battleships 1941–45 (1): Nevada, Pennsylvania and New Mexico Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #229: US Standard-type Battleships 1941–45 (2): Tennessee, Colorado and Unbuilt Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #232: The Imperial Japanese Navy of the Russo-Japanese War (New Vanguard #232) (Paperback): $19.00
- #236: US Navy Light Cruisers 1941–45 (New Vanguard #236) (Paperback): $19.00
Description
Often overlooked as a naval power of WWII, Italy's Regia Marina was, upon the declaration of war against France, the fourth largest navy in the world. Despite its numbers, the Italian fleet was made up of largely obsolete vessels, none being equipped with radar, and had a reputation for having inadequately-trained crews. Added to these drawbacks, the Italian commanders did not enjoy the discretion of command at sea that their counterparts in the service of other nations did, being directed closely by the Supermarina (Italian Naval Headquarters). Despite these obstacles, and the heavy losses inflicted upon the fleet by the Royal Navy while in harbour at Taranto, the battleships of the Italian Navy enjoyed a good reputation for being well-designed, and served with courage and determination at Punto Stilo/Calabria, Sirte, Cape Spartivento, and Cape Matapan. Mark Stille details, with the aid of many stunning photographs, including several from the Italian Navy's own archives, the battleships of one of the forgotten navies of WWII.
About the Author
Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey titles focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in the intelligence community, including tours on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff and on US Navy ships. He received his BA in History from the University of Maryland and also holds an MA from the Naval War College.
Paul Wright is Associate Professor of English at Cabrini College, USA.
Praise For…
“The seven battleships of the Regia Marina that served in World War II enjoyed reputations superior to the Italian fleet as a whole ... This well-illustrated monograph gives the reader a thorough technical and operational look at the ships.” —Richard D. Burgess, Seapower (December 2011)
“...an excellent primer for those interested in learning about Italian battleships of World War Two.” —Luke R. Bucci, IPMS/USA