| Special Forces Operations in September 1940 |
| September 21st, 1940 – September 30th, 1940 |
| Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2 |
| 1° Flottiglia MAS |
| In August 1940, the failed attempt to infiltrate Alexandria’s harbour during Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 1 resulted in the loss of the submarine Iride. Despite this setback, preparations began for a renewed effort, Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2, using the modified submarines Gondar and Scirè equipped with cylindrical containers to carry Siluro a Lenta Corsa. Commanded by Tenente di Vascello Francesco Brunetti, Gondar departed La Spezia on September 21st, 1940, with mission personnel from Xa Flottiglia MAS, tasked with planting hydrophones near Alexandria. 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. Tenente di Vascello Brunetti was the submarine’s commanding officer, responsible for its navigation and overall operation. Capitano di Fregata Giorgini was the mission leader from the Xa Flottiglia MAS, tasked with coordinating the deployment of the Siluro a Lenta Corsa and overseeing the underwater operations. Capitano del Genio Navale Toschi, co-founder of the Xa Flottiglia MAS alongside Teseo Tesei, was a pivotal figure in the development of the Siluro a Lenta Corsa and a driving force behind Italy’s innovative underwater warfare strategies. 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. |