Operations, Decima Flottiglia MAS

August 12th, 1940 – August 22nd, 1940

Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 1

1° Flottiglia MAS

In July 1940, Admiral De Courten orders an operation against British naval forces, focusing on disrupting British dominance by targeting warships in Alexandria. The Italian 1° Flottiglia MAS prepares for this mission, deploying Siluro a Lenta Corsa, also known as slow-running torpedoes. The submarine Iride and the torpedo boat Calipso are tasked with transporting the equipment to the Gulf of Bomba. Due to the technical limitations of the Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s, Iride undergoes modifications, including external saddles to carry the torpedoes. Capitano di Vascello Mario Giorgini leads the mission, which involves four SLC teams along with a reserve unit. On August 22nd, 1940, while anchored in the Gulf of Bomba, Iride comes under attack by British Fairey Swordfish bombers from 824 Squadron. The submarine is hit and sinks in shallow waters, resulting in the death of 31 crew members. Tenente di Vascello Luigi Durand de la Penne leads a daring rescue operation, saving 15 survivors, including seven who are extracted from the wreckage through perilous diving efforts. The auxiliary ship Monte Gargano is also destroyed during the attack, but its crew survives, sustaining only minor injuries. Although the mission fails to achieve its objectives, it demonstrates the courage and determination of the Decima Flottiglia MAS. This operation serves as a catalyst for improvements in Siluro a Lenta Corsa technology and tactics. In response, British forces recognize the threat posed by these innovative craft and implement stronger harbor defenses and anti-sabotage measures.

September 21st, 1940 – September 30th, 1940

Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2

1° Flottiglia MAS

As Italy enters World War II, weakening the British Mediterranean fleet becomes urgent. The British Navy, with superior numbers, is stationed at Gibraltar and Alexandria, posing a major challenge. In September 1940, General Pietro Badoglio assesses the situation, concluding that Italy must avoid full-scale naval battles and instead focus on maintaining its defensive posture and disrupting British operations. After the failed Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 1 and the loss of the submarine Iride, Admiral Domenico Cavagnari assigns Commander Mario Giorgini a new mission. The 1a Flottiglia MAS is tasked with simultaneous attacks on Gibraltar and Alexandria using Siluri a Lenta Corsa (SLCs). The submarines Gondar and Scirè are modified for the mission, targeting Alexandria (Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2) and Gibraltar (Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 1), respectively. The mission encountered several obstacles. On 28 September, Gondar narrowly evaded an enemy corvette, however, on September 29th, 1940, the Australian destroyer H.M.A.S. Stuart detected it. A relentless depth-charge attack followed, critically damaging the submarine. On September 30th, 1940, after further bombardment and equipment failures, Gondar was scuttled to prevent capture, sinking northwest of Alexandria. One crew member, Luigi Longobardi, died in the process, while the rest of the crew and mission personnel were rescued and taken as prisoners of war. In total, 48 members of the Gondar’s crew and mission personnel were captured following the scuttling of the submarine. Among them were Tenente di Vascello Francesco Brunetti, Capitano di Fregata Mario Giorgini, and Capitano del Genio Navale Elios Toschi, whose leadership and expertise were critical to the mission. Their capture marked a significant loss for the Italian Navy, as it deprived the Xa Flottiglia MAS of three of its most skilled and visionary leaders. The rest of the captured group included 5 officers, 33 ratings, and 10 Xa Flottiglia MAS operatives. Of these, 28 were rescued by H.M.A.S. Stuart, while 19 were picked up by H.M.T. Sindonis.

September 24th, 1940 – October 3rd, 1940

Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 1

1° Flottiglia MAS

As Italy enters World War II, weakening the British Mediterranean fleet becomes urgent. The British Navy, with superior numbers, is stationed at Gibraltar and Alexandria, posing a major challenge. In September 1940, General Pietro Badoglio assesses the situation, concluding that Italy must avoid full-scale naval battles and instead focus on maintaining its defensive posture and disrupting British operations. After the failed Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 1 and the loss of the submarine Iride, Admiral Domenico Cavagnari assigns Commander Mario Giorgini a new mission. The 1a Flottiglia MAS is tasked with simultaneous attacks on Gibraltar and Alexandria using Siluri a Lenta Corsa (SLCs). The submarines Gondar and Scirè are modified for the mission, targeting Alexandria (Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2) and Gibraltar (Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 1), respectively. Gibraltar, a vital British naval stronghold, controls access between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. It serves as a Royal Navy base, supporting Malta convoys and North African operations, while facing constant Axis threats. The British Force H, stationed there, consists of battleships, battlecruisers, aircraft carriers, and cruisers, ensuring dominance in the region. In September 1940, Capitano di Corvetta Junio Valerio Borghese assumes command of Scirè and conducts training exercises. On September 24th, 1940, Scirè departs La Spezia, carrying three SLC teams targeting Gibraltar. However, the mission is aborted 92.6 kilometres from Gibraltar after learning that British Force H has left port. Scirè returns to La Maddalena on October 3rd, 1940, marking an unsuccessful early attempt to strike the British fleet.

October 21st, 1940 – September 6th, 1940

Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 2

1° Flottiglia MAS

On October 17th, 1940, Supermarina issues orders to Commander Junio Valerio Borghese for Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 2, detailing the mission’s route, deployment procedures, and recovery plans. Scirè departs La Spezia on October 21st, 1940, carrying three Siluro a Lenta Corsa teams and two reserve operators. During the journey, the submarine evades multiple British destroyers before reaching its launch point near Almina Point on October 30th, 1940. Despite successful deployment, all three teams face severe technical failures. Gino Birindelli and Mario Paccagnini’s Siluro a Lenta Corsa becomes inoperable, forcing them to abandon it and swim to safety. Teseo Tesei and Alcide Pedretti experience equipment malfunctions and abort their mission, scuttling their warhead before escaping to Spain. Luigi Durand de la Penne and Emilio Bianchi struggle with a malfunctioning Siluro a Lenta Corsa and nearly drown before reaching the Spanish coast. Scirè returns to La Spezia on November 3rd, 1940. British divers later recover parts of the damaged SLCs, while Spanish authorities seize Tesei’s nearly intact craft, returning it to Italy in 1975 as a memorial. Though unsuccessful, the operation demonstrates the potential of the Xa Flottiglia MAS, influencing future missions. Several operatives receive honours, including the Medaglia d’Oro al Valore Militare for Borghese and Birindelli. The experience gained from this mission contributes to the later success of the Alexandria attack in December 1941.

March 25th, 1941

Operazione Suda

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Suda Bay, Crete. Destroyers Francesco Crispi and Quintino Sella, each carrying three Motoscafo Turismo Mocificato and their crew. Two Motoscafo Turismo Mocificato’s hit the H.M.S. York amidships. The ship was beached to prevent its loss but later scuttled by its crew. The Tanker Pericles was severely damaged and settled on the bottom. The ship sunk in april 1941. Another tanker and the cargo ship were also sunk. Two Motoscafo Turismo Mocificato’s missed their target. One of the missed targets was the Cruiser Coventry. All six of crew members survived but are captured.

April 2nd, 1941- April 5th, 1941

MAS Reconnaissance Mission Corfu

Xa Flottiglia MAS

MAS 539, MAS 535 and two Motoscafo Turismo Silurante. The mission is commanded by Capitano di Fregata Vittorio Moccagatta. In early April 1941, the Italian Regia Marina organises a combat reconnaissance mission targeting the moorings at Corfu, Sarandë, and Porto Edda. The operation aims to assess the operational capabilities of the newly introduced Motoscafo Turismo Silurante. Departing from Brindisi on April 2nd, 1941 , MAS 539 and MAS 535 proceed towards the Albanian coast, reaching the island of Sazan. Each vessel tows an MTS, manned as follows: MTS 2: Capitano di Corvetta Giorgio Giobbe and Sottotenente di Vascello Aldo Massarini MTS 4: Sottotenente di Vascello Renato Iovine and Secondo Capo Enrico Cerruti During the night of April 5th, 1941, the MAS vessels arrive at the designated release point. The Motoscafo Turismo Silurante detach from their tows and proceed along the coastline. However, they are soon detected, illuminated by searchlights, and subjected to coastal gunfire. Forced to abort the mission, MTS 2 successfully returns to the waiting MAS, while MTS 4, having jettisoned its two small torpedoes to increase speed, retreats to Sazan.

May 25th, 1941

Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 3

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Gibraltar. Submarine Sciré with three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s aboard. At Cadiz, Spain it embarked four two-man crews. At Gibraltar, they found no warships because the fleet had been ordered to hunt the German battleship Bismarck. The Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s again experienced technical problems as they tried to attack a freighter. The crew manage to escape to Italy via Spain.

June 24th, 1941 – May 30th, 1941

Operazione Malta 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

On June 24th, 1941, MAS 451 and MAS 452, carrying the MT pilots designated for the attack on Valletta harbour, conduct a coastal reconnaissance mission off the island, gathering intelligence on defences and approach routes. On June 28th, 1941, Capitano di Fregata Moccagatta leads an attack force consisting of MAS 451 and MAS 452, reinforced by MAS 509, MAS 556, and MAS 562. The operation includes a group of eight MT explosive boats and an MTS motor torpedo boat, commanded by Capitano di Corvetta Giorgio Giobbe. As the force prepares to launch the attack, an MT unexpectedly sinks due to an accident, while additional mechanical failures further disrupt the operation. With the mission compromised, Moccagatta orders a withdrawal, and the force returns to Augusta without engaging the target. On June 30th, 1941 at 15:00, the assault force departs Augusta once again. Strong winds and rough seas pose immediate challenges. Shortly after departure, an MT begins taking on water, forcing Moccagatta to order its return under tow by a MAS vessel. Despite the difficult conditions, he decides to press on, believing the weather will improve. However, the engine of the MT boat designated for the assault on the harbour’s surface obstructions soon fails. Still determined to proceed, Moccagatta continues the approach until one of the MAS vessels also suffers an engine failure. Given the worsening situation and the late hour, he finally orders a return to base, aborting the mission for a second time.

July 26th, 1941

Operazione Malta 2

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on the port of Valletta, Malta. Operazione Malta Due. The raiding group consists of the Aviso Diana, one Motoscafo Turismo Lento (MTL) with two Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s, two MAS boats, nine Motoscafo Turismo (MTM’s) and one Motoscafo Turismo Silurante (MTS). The force is detected early on by a British radar installation, but the British coastal batteries hold their fire until the Italians approached to close range. Fifteen crewmen are killed (including Commander Moccagatta), and eighteen captured. Only the Motoscafo Turismo Silurante (MTS) survived the raid. The other vessels are destroyed or captured by the British.

September 10th, 1941

Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 4

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Gibraltar. Submarine Sciré with three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s aboard. At Cadiz, Spain it embarked four two-man crews. The tankers Denbydale and Fiona Shell, and the cargo ship Durham. All six crewmen swam to Spain and returned to Italy.

December 3rd ,1941 – December 29th, 1941

Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 3

Xa Flottiglia MAS

In December 1941, the Italian Navy’s Xa Flottiglia MAS executed Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 3, a high-risk mission to disable key units of the British Mediterranean Fleet at Alexandria. The operation utilised the submarine Scirè, equipped with three manned torpedoes known as Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s, designated as 221, 222, and 223. Each SLC carried two operators from the unit. On December 18th, 1941, Scirè deployed six operators north of Alexandria harbour. The first team, Tenente di Vascello Luigi Durand de La Penne and Capo di 3a Classe Emilio Bianchi, targeted the battleship H.M.S. Valiant (30,600 tonnes) using SLC 221. Despite equipment failure, De La Penne manually positioned the explosive, which detonated at 06:15, causing severe damage. The second team, Capitano del Genio Navale Antonio Marceglia and Capo di 2a Classe Spartaco Schergat, infiltrated the harbour with SLC 222 and placed charges beneath the battleship H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth (30,600 tonnes). The explosion at 06:25 grounded the ship and rendered it unserviceable until mid-1943. The third team, Capo di 1a Classe Vincenzo Martellotta and Sottocapo Mario Marino, originally tasked with targeting an aircraft carrier, redirected their attack to the oil tanker Sagona (7,554 GRT) and destroyer H.M.S. Jervis (1,690 tonnes) using SLC 223. Their explosives detonated at 05:54, crippling Sagona and severely damaging Jervis. The mission was a significant success, temporarily disabling the British fleet’s two battleships, an oil tanker, and a destroyer.

April 29th, 1942 – May 24th, 1942

Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 4

Xa Flottiglia MAS

After the December 1941 attack on HMS Valiant and HMS Queen Elizabeth, Italian forces launch another strike on Alexandria Harbour. The submarine Ambra, under Mario Arillo, transports Xa Flottiglia MAS operatives with Siluri a Lenta Corsa (SLCs) to target the floating dock, H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth, and H.M.S. Medway. Ambra departs La Spezia on April 29th, 1942, reaching Alexandria by May 13th, 1942. An unexpected current shifts its position 2.5 kilometres off course, disrupting the mission. British patrols detect activity, deploying searchlights and depth charges. All three SLC teams fail due to navigational errors, mechanical issues, and strong defences. The operatives scuttle their devices but are all captured by May 15th, 1942. Ambra returns to La Spezia on May 24th, 1943, covering 3,602.9 nautical miles, but the mission is unsuccessful. For their courage during the operation, Mario Arillo earns the Medaglia d’Argento al Valore Militare, Egil Chersi receives the Medaglia di Bronzo al Valore Militare, and all six captured operatives are awarded the Medaglia d’Argento al Valore Militare.

May 1942 – September 8th, 1943

Crimean Deployment, VII Flottiglia MAS

Xa Flottiglia MAS

During World War II, impressed by Italian successes with assault craft in the Mediterranean, Großadmiral Erich Raeder of the Kriegsmarine formally requests Italian naval support in the Black Sea on January 14th, 1942. This marks the only occasion between 1940 and 1943 that Germany seeks direct Italian military assistance. From April 1942, Italy deploys Xa Flottiglia MAS and other Regia Marina units to support German and Romanian operations against the Soviet fleet. Due to Turkish neutrality, Italian vessels travel overland by rail and are reassembled in Constanța, Romania. Their primary mission focuses on disrupting Soviet supply lines, protecting Axis convoys, and engaging enemy vessels. The Italian contingent consists of five CB-class midget submarines, six MAS torpedo boats, five MTSM and five MTM explosive motorboats, with a total of 80 personnel. Additional forces engage in convoy protection and anti-submarine warfare. The 101ª Squadriglia Mezzi Speciali, initially commanded by Lieutenant Commander Aldo Lenzi and later by Lieutenant Commander Salvatore Todaro and Lieutenant Roberto Romano, operates under VII Flottiglia MAS, led by Capitano di Fregata Francesco Mimbelli. Italian forces integrate with German and Romanian units and conduct extensive naval operations until early 1943. In April 1942, Italian MAS torpedo boats and CB submarines arrive in the Black Sea after an arduous transport process from Venice via Vienna to Constanța. Between June and August 1942, Italian forces launch torpedo attacks on Soviet warships, successfully damaging or sinking enemy vessels, including the Soviet submarine ShCh-203 on June 13th, 1942 and the cruiser Molotov on August 3rd, 1942. Italian MAS boats and submarines conduct over 140 missions, engaging Soviet convoys, laying mines, and supporting German and Romanian naval forces. Soviet fighter-bombers heavily target Italian naval bases, sinking multiple vessels, including MAS 571 on September 9th, 1942 and MAS 572 on May 12th, 1943 after a collision. Italian units continue engagements off Yalta and Novorossiysk, but Axis defeats force a gradual withdrawal from the region by mid-1943. By early 1943, due to increasing Soviet offensives, Italian naval operations decline. On May 20th, 1943, the remaining vessels transfer to the Kriegsmarine. After Italy’s armistice in September 1943, German forces seize the surviving Italian CB submarines and later hand them over to the Romanian Navy. Following Romania’s defection in 1944, the Soviets capture and scrap most of these vessels. Despite its limited numbers, the Italian Black Sea deployment demonstrates Xa Flottiglia MAS expertise in small-scale naval warfare, with notable successes in sinking Soviet vessels and disrupting enemy operations. Several Italian servicemen receive high military honours for their bravery, including the Medaglia d’Argento al Valore Militare and Medaglia di Bronzo al Valore Militare. However, their overall impact remains minor, as the Soviet fleet retains superiority, and Axis forces struggle to maintain control in the Black Sea beyond 1943.

July 13th, 1942

Operazione Gamma Gibilterra 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Twelve men from Gruppo Gamma swim from Villa Carmella at the Spanish coast into Gibraltar harbour. They placed limpet mines on four merchant ships. The steamships Meta, Shuma and Baron Douglas are sunk. The steamship Empire Snipe is heavily damaged. All members return safely to Spain.

July 14th, 1942 – July 30th, 1942

Operazione Cefalo 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

The requisitioned fishing trawler Cefalo (302 GRT), manned by a militarised civilian crew, departs La Spezia on a covert mission with two MTSM light motor torpedo boats (222 and 230) . The mission, commanded by Tenente di Vascello Corrado Dequal and Sottotenente de Vascello Corrado Garutti, is to patrol the waters south of the Balearic Islands, posing as a fishing vessel while awaiting an opportunity to attack Allied aircraft carriers that occasionally launch aircraft for operations over Malta. For 16 days, the Cefalo remains on station, enduring rough seas at times. However, no enemy targets are sighted, and the mission concludes without any engagement. The vessel returns to base without deploying its assault craft, highlighting the challenges of intelligence-based naval operations dependent on unpredictable enemy movements.

July 17th, 1942 – July 18th, 1942

Operazione 110 e Operazione 111

Xa Flottiglia MAS

In preparation for an amphibious invasion of Malta, Italian Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato units were stationed at Augusta, Sicily, tasked with reconnaissance and ambush missions along the Maltese coast. On May 17th, 1942, the torpedo boat Abba, escorted by MAS 574 and MAS 576, deployed two Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato’s for separate operations: Operation 110: MTSM 218 landed diver Giuseppe Guglielmo near Marsaskala for a night reconnaissance. Unable to re-establish contact with his vessel, he was captured. Operation 111: MTSM 214 inserted Carmelo Borg Pisani, an Italian agent of Maltese origin, near Marsaxlokk. Discovered and arrested, he was later tried for treason and executed after five months. Subsequent ambush operations by the Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato’s near Valletta proved unsuccessful.

August 1942 – May 1943

North African Deployment, Decima Flottiglia MAS

Xa Flottiglia MAS

In 1942, naval and land-based special operations in the Mediterranean intensified. The British Eighth Army and Axis forces competed for control, both prioritising logistics and counter-offensives. The Italian Xª Flottiglia MAS adapted its tactics, deploying explosive boats along the North African coast. These were transported covertly aboard disguised trawlers such as Sogliola and Constanza. Following the Axis offensive in Libya and the capture of Tobruk in June 1942, Italian naval forces established a mobile assault unit, Autocolonna Giobbe, in Egypt. Using small torpedo boats, they launched surprise attacks on British naval units near El Alamein, notably damaging H.M.S. Eridge in August 1942. However, increasing British air superiority forced them to retreat. By late 1942, as the Axis front collapsed at El Alamein, Autocolonna Giobbe withdrew through Libya to Tunisia, where it merged with other units. Despite logistical challenges, it continued operations until May 1943, when the Axis evacuated North Africa. With the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, plans for further Italian naval assault operations were disrupted. Many boats were lost or destroyed, and the Sicilian front’s collapse ended the Xª Flottiglia MAS’s Mediterranean land-based operations.

August 5th, 1942 – August 8th, 1942

Operazione Cefalo 2

Xa Flottiglia MAS

The fishing trawler Cefalo conducts operations in the waters south of the Balearic Islands. As in July, the trawler, manned by a militarised civilian crew, carries two MTSM’s, concealed under fishing equipment, with the objective of ambushing Allied aircraft carriers operating in the area. Despite maintaining its cover as a fishing vessel and patrolling the designated waters, no enemy targets are sighted. The mission ends without engagement, and the Cefalo returns to base without deploying its assault craft, mirroring the outcome of its first operation.

August 10th, 1942

Operazione SL 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Haifa, Palestine. Submarine Sciré with three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s aboard. On August 10th, 1942, the submarine Scirè, already renowned for previous significant actions, was tasked with covertly transporting 11 men from the Gamma group to the port of Haifa, then under British mandate in Palestine. The operational order stipulated that the Scirè would release the Gamma operators 2 kilometres from Haifa’s port and wait for their return until 03:00 before heading back to Leros. Departing from Leros on August 6th, 1942, the submarine maintained radio contact with the Naval Command in Rhodes, receiving updates from aerial reconnaissance regarding the presence of ships in Haifa’s port. Unfortunately, on August 10th, 1942, the Scirè was detected by British forces while attempting to reach the release point for the operatives. It came under intense attack from the British minesweeper H.M.S. Islay, supported by other naval units with depth charges. The Scirè surfaces briefly before sinking during which time she is shelled by No. 300 Coast Battery, leading to its sinking. There are no survivors; the entire crew and the operatives on board lost their lives during the mission. A few days later, the sea returned the bodies of operators Egil Chersi and Eugenio Dal Ben, who were honorably buried by British authorities in the Haifa cemetery.

August 29th, 1942

North African Deployment, Decima Flottiglia MAS

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on El Daba, Egypt. The destroyer H.M.S. Eridge was torpedoed at close range by an Motoscafo da Turismo Silurante Modificato (MTSM). The H.M.S. Eridge lost 6 crewmembers and was towed to Alexandria. There the ship was declared a constructive total loss.

Mid November 1942 – November 30th, 1942

Operazione Gamma Malta 1 and Operazione Gamma Malta 2

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Plans are in place to launch operations against naval units stationed at the Marsamxett Harbour submarine base. The attack is to be conducted by five Gamma combat swimmers, who are to be transported and deployed using Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato 240, 246, and 256, launched from Augusta, Sicily. The first mission, originally scheduled for mid-November, is cancelled due to persistent adverse weather conditions, making deployment and approach infeasible. A second attempt begins on November 30th, 1942, but is abandoned following the failure of one of the approacher craft, preventing the operation from proceeding as planned. Two further operations, intended for 1 and 8 April 1943, are also called off due to unfavourable weather, which once again hampers the ability to launch and execute the mission successfully. These missions, despite their careful planning, remain unfulfilled due to uncontrollable external conditions, marking them as aborted operations.

November 11th, 1942 – January 23rd, 1943

Sabotage operations against the Allied Fleet in Tripoli, Libya

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Following the Italian-German defeat at the Second Battle of El Alamein, Ferraro devises a plan to infiltrate Tripoli, Libya ahead of advancing British forces. His objective is to integrate into civilian life within the Libyan capital and, once the Royal Navy secures the port, conduct sabotage operations against their fleet. Uniquely, he requests permission to bring his wife, Orietta Romano, as part of his cover. After initial reluctance, his commander, Eugenio Wolk, grants approval for the mission, and Ferraro departs for Sfax, Tunisia. However, before he can reach his target, Tripoli falls to British forces, forcing him to abandon the operation.

December 4th, 1942 – December 12th, 1942

Operazione NA 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on the harbour of Algiers. Submarine Ambra with three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s, six SLC pilots and two reserves, 6 Gruppo Gamma divers and 4 reserves aboard. They are released to far from the harbour and attack five ships outside the harbour. Sinking the steamships Ocean Vanquisher, Berta, and Armattan and the U.S.N. Military Transport N.59. They damag the Tanker Empire Centaur. All crew members return safely.

December 7th, 1942

Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 5

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Gibraltar. Three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s with three two-man crews left the Olterra to attack the British battleship, H.M.S. Nelson, and the two aircraft carriers H.M.S. Formidable, and H.M.S. Furious in Gibraltar. The Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s were spotted, and a British patrol boat killed one Siluro a Lenta Corsa crew with a depth charge. Another British patrol boat spotted another Siluro a Lenta Corsa and captured its two crewmen. The remaining torpedo returned to the Olterra without its rear rider.

December 12th, 1942 – December 13th, 1942

Operazione BO G 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

MTSM 268 from La Galite island, Tunisia with three Gruppo Gamma Divers. Their mission is to attack ships in Annaba harbour, Algeria. On December 12th, 1942, the mission is cancelled due to adverse sea conditions but is retried the following day with MTSM 268, commanded by Capitano di Corvetta Salvatore Todaro, with three Gruppo Gamma (seated in the torpedo compartment after the weapon had been landed) accompanied by two more light motor torpedo boats with the escort role. Failures to one of the escorts, and deteriorating weather conditions, leads to the mission being interrupted again and the units return to Galite. In the meantime, the fishing trawler Cefalo, acting as support vessel for the torpedo boats, arrived. Shortly after two enemy fighter-bombers carry out a sudden low altitude attack, killing Capitano di Corvetta Todaro and sinking the vessel which, however, is raised in the following days.

April 1st, 1943 and April 8th, 1943

Operazione Gamma Malta 3 and Operazione Gamma Malta 4

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Plans are in place to launch operations against naval units stationed at the Marsamxett Harbour submarine base. The attack is to be conducted by five Gamma combat swimmers, who are to be transported and deployed using Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato 240, 246, and 256, launched from Augusta, Sicily. The first mission, originally scheduled for mid-November, is cancelled due to persistent adverse weather conditions, making deployment and approach infeasible. A second attempt begins on November 30th, 1942, but is abandoned following the failure of one of the approacher craft, preventing the operation from proceeding as planned. Two further operations, intended for April 1st, 1943 and April 8th, 1943, are also called off due to unfavourable weather, which once again hampers the ability to launch and execute the mission successfully. These missions, despite their careful planning, remain unfulfilled due to uncontrollable external conditions, marking them as aborted operations.

April 6th, 1943

Operazione BO G 2

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Operazione BO G 2 is planned as a near-identical repetition of Operation BO G 1, which took place in December 1942. The objective is to infiltrate Annaba Harbour and attack enemy vessels using Gamma combat swimmers. The operation involves Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato 262 and 263 as approacher craft, with MTSM 264 assigned as an escort. The personnel assigned to the mission include: MTSM 262, under the command of TV Giuseppe Cosulich, with MB C°3a C Francesco Malfa; MTSM 263, commanded by TV Edoardo Longobardi, accompanied by MA STV Mameli Rattazzi; MTSM 264, led by TV Corrado Garutti, with C° Giuseppe Barabino. The Gruppo Gamma divers designated for the attack are Tenente Aldo Coceani, Sottocapo Vago Giari, Sottocapo Ferdinando Pacciolla, Capo di 2° Classe Giovanni Maestrale, Capo di 2° Classe Walter Fabbri, and Sottocapo Giovanni Mistroni. On the night of April 6th, 1943, the operation is compromised when the craft are detected shortly before the combat swimmers can be deployed. With the element of surprise lost, the force is forced to withdraw, rendering the mission unsuccessful. This failed operation, like its predecessor, highlights the increasing difficulties in executing clandestine naval assaults as enemy detection methods continue to improve.

April 22nd, 1943

Operazione Huelva

Xa Flottiglia MAS

In 1942, Decima MAS devises a sabotage strategy, GOG (Gruppi Operativi Gamma), to infiltrate neutral ports and disrupt enemy shipping. The port of Huelva in Spain is selected, with the Italian steamship Gaeta providing a base for operations. In February 1943, Gamma operatives Salvatore Nizzi and Carlo Vianello, disguised with false documents, travel to Huelva via Barcelona and Madrid. They board the Gaeta under assumed identities and await instructions. On April 6th, 1943, they secretly receive their explosives and diving equipment. On April 22nd, 1943, their first attack attempt on a British merchant ship fails due to a malfunction in Vianello’s breathing apparatus. The following night, they successfully plant explosives. Later, they target another vessel, the Ladovich, a 9,700-ton freighter. Nizzi swims 3,000 metres and attaches charges to the ship, which departs on May 14th, 1943. As British security measures increase, including hull inspections and diver patrols, the operatives find it harder to strike. However, on June 13th, 1943, a grounded British ship presents an opportunity. Nizzi attaches explosives before the vessel refloats and resumes its journey. Of the ships attacked, only the Ladovich is confirmed to have sunk. The fate of the others remains unknown. Having completed their mission, Nizzi and Vianello return to Madrid but are later captured by British forces on their way back to Italy. They are held as prisoners until their repatriation in August 1944.

May 8th, 1943

Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 6

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Gibraltar. Three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s with three two-man crews leave the Olterra. They sink steamships Pat Harrison, Mahsud and Camerata. The Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s return safely to the Olterra.

June 30th, 1943 – July 7th, 1943

Operazione Stella 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Alexandretta, Turkey. Gamma Diver Ferraro is assigned a new clandestine mission by Junio Valerio Borghese, who assumes command of the Xa Flottiglia Mas on May 1st, 1943, succeeding Ernesto Forza. Intelligence suggests that Allied forces are engaging in extensive chrome trade via the Turkish port of İskenderun (Alexandretta). Ferraro is tasked with disrupting these supply lines by sinking vessels transporting the mineral, while ensuring that his activities remain undetected, as Turkey maintains official neutrality. Equipped with false diplomatic credentials issued through the Italian consulate, Ferraro arrives in İskenderun in mid-May 1943. For a month, he maintains the guise of a non-swimmer, feigning a fear of water to deflect suspicion. On the evening of June 30th, 1943, assisted by SIM agent Giovanni Roccardi, Ferraro executes his mission. He swims out to the 7,000-ton steamship Orion, carrying explosive charges. After securely attaching the devices to the ship’s keel, he returns undetected to the consulate. On July 7th, 1943, the Orion is destroyed along with its cargo.

June 1943- August 1943

Operations against the Allied invasion fleet of Operation Husky.

Xa Flottiglia MAS

In anticipation of an imminent Allied landing on either Sardinia or Sicily, Italian naval forces deploy various MTSM and MTM assault craft to strategic locations. Under the command of Capitano di Corvetta Aldo Lenzi, units are stationed in Sardinia at Cagliari, Carloforte, and Bosa Marina, with Tenente di Vascello Corrado Dequal and Tenente di Vascello Aldo Massarini serving as subordinates. In Sicily, Augusta becomes the primary base of operations, where the surviving motorboats from Autocolonna Moccagatta from the Crimean campaign and Autocolonna Giobbe from the North African campaign are assembled under the command of Sottotenente di Vascello Ongarillo Ungarelli. However, when the Allied invasion of Sicily begins on July 10th, 1943, Italian forces are immediately placed under immense pressure. The bases in Sardinia are swiftly decommissioned, and the assault craft stationed in Augusta, Sicily are forced into a rapid retreat northward. The motorboats regroup in Mazzarò, near Taormina, where they are joined by Commander Lenzi, who is transferred from Sardinia to reinforce the remaining units. Light motor torpedo boats launch several attacks on enemy shipping operating along the eastern Sicilian coastline, though these engagements fail to produce any confirmed results. As the Italian front continues to collapse under the advancing Anglo-American forces, the assault craft relocate first to Messina. Here, MTSM 262 becomes the final Italian naval unit to withdraw from Sicilian waters as the island falls completely into Allied hands. From Messina, the surviving vessels retreat further north, regrouping at Gioia Tauro before making their way to Amalfi.

July 9th, 1943

Operazione Stella 2

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on at Mersin, Turkey. Gamma Diver Ferraro carries out a similar attack in Mersin, Turkey placing explosive charges on the 10,000-ton steamer Kaituna. However, an inspection team discovers an unexploded charge on the Kaituna.

July 14th, 1943 – July 27th, 1943

Operazione S 1

Xa Flottiglia MAS

The Italian submarine Ambra, under the command of Capitano di Corvetta Renato Ferrini, departs from La Spezia on July 14th, 1943, carrying three MTR inside its waterproof transport cylinder. The objective is to infiltrate Syracuse, Sicily, a strategic port recently seized by British forces, and launch an attack on enemy ships anchored in the roadstead. The MTR pilots assigned to the mission are Tenente di Vascello Corrado Garau, Capo di 2a Classe Amleto Tonissi, Capo di 3a Classe Salvatore Guercio, and Sergente Giuseppe Derin. The mission takes place just four days after the Allied landings in southeastern Sicily, an indication of the urgency and high stakes involved in the operation. During its approach to the target area, Ambra is detected on the surface by an enemy aircraft at approximately 03:00 on July 18th, 1943. The aircraft attacks with bombs, inflicting significant damage on the submarine. Unable to continue the mission, Ambra is forced to retreat. After a brief stop in Messina, the submarine makes a slow return voyage to Naples, eventually requiring the assistance of the torpedo boat Partenope to complete the journey under tow. Upon arrival in Naples, temporary repairs are carried out before Ambra proceeds to La Spezia, where it arrives on July 27th, 1943. The submarine is immediately placed in dry dock for full repairs. The mission is ultimately cancelled, marking another unsuccessful attempt to disrupt Allied naval operations in the Mediterranean.

July 30th, 1943

Operazione Stella 3

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on port of Mersina. Gamma Diver Ferraro places explosive charges on the English steamship Sicilian Prince. Before leaving the harbour, the Sicilian Prince is searched before departure and the explosive devices are disarmed.

August 2nd, 1943

Operazione Stella 4

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid at İskenderun, Turkey. Gamma Diver Ferraro places explosive charges on the 5,274-ton Norwegian cargo ship Fernplant. The vessel is sunk.

August 3rd, 1943

Operazione Baia di Gibilterra 7

Xa Flottiglia MAS

Raid on Gibraltar. Three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s with three two-man crews leave the Olterra. They sink steamship Harrison Gray Otis and Stanridge and the tanker Thorshøvdi. All three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s return to the Olterra. One of the crewmembers is captured.