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Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2

September 21st, 1940 – September 30th, 1940
Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2
Objectives
  • Attack British warships in the Harbour of Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Planting hydrophones on buoys located 16 kilometres from Alexandria, using these devices for long-range listening posts linked to Cyrenaica.
Operational Area
Alexandria, Egypt,  Harbour
Alexandria Harbour, Egypt
Sinking coordinates of the Gondar.
Sinking coordinates of the Gondar.
Allied Forces
  • H.M.A.S. Stuart
  • H.M.T. Sindonis
  • Sunderland flying boat, L. 2166 of No. 230 Squadron
Axis Forces
  • Submarine Gondar
  • 1a Flottiglia MAS
    • Commander of the Mission: Capitano di Fregata Mario Giorgini
    • Tenente di Vascello Alberto Franzini (Siluro a Lenta Corsa 1)
    • Guardiamarina Alberto Cacioppo (Siluro a Lenta Corsa 1)
    • Capitano del Genio Navale Elios Toschi (Siluro a Lenta Corsa 2)
    • Sottocapo Palombaro Umberto Ragnati (Siluro a Lenta Corsa 2)
    • Capitano di Artiglieria Navale Gustavo Stefanini (Siluro a Lenta Corsa 3)
    • Sottocapo Palombaro Alessandro Scappino (Siluro a Lenta Corsa 3)
    • Aristide Calcagno (Reserve)
    • Sottocapo Palombaro Giovanni Lazzaroni (Reserve)
    • Capo Elettricista di Seconda Classe Cipriano Cipriani
    • Three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s
Operation

After Italy joined Germany in World War 2 the need for weakening the British fleet in the Mediterranean became very urgent. The British had a far bigger fleet in the area than the Italians could handle. On September 16th ,1940, General Pietro Badoglio of the Italian Supreme Command writes a letter that makes this matter clear.

The British naval forces in the Mediterranean are currently concentrated at the two bases of Gibraltar and Alexandria. The Gibraltar fleet consists of three battleships, one aircraft carrier, and several smaller ships, while the Alexandria fleet comprises five battleships, two aircraft carriers, and smaller vessels. It is always possible for the Home Fleet to send reinforcements, either to replace losses or to increase the strength of the Mediterranean fleet.

Our fleet is composed of five battleships, no aircraft carriers, and smaller ships. With this strength, it could engage in battle with the Gibraltar fleet. However, it would be at a marked disadvantage against the Alexandria fleet. No reinforcements can be expected for our fleet, nor can replacements for potential losses.

In the first three months of the war, the British fleet has achieved certain objectives. It has fully carried out its mission to block the Suez Canal and has partially succeeded in restricting access to the Strait of Gibraltar, although our submarines have consistently been able to pass through. It has managed to secure convoy routes from Turkey and Greece, albeit with serious disruptions and significant losses, and has been strongly supported by the unwaveringly pro-British stance of these two nations. It has failed to damage our maritime traffic meaningfully and has inflicted only minor harm on our Libyan coasts. It has defended its bases effectively, even though they are frequently attacked by our aviation forces.

In the same period, our fleet has guaranteed uninterrupted and secure communication with Libya and Albania, ensuring continuous and unimpeded maritime traffic. It has not had to intervene against attacks on our coasts, as none have been attempted by the enemy, but it has not been able to prevent the occasional enemy incursions on the Libyan coastline. It has effectively supported aviation efforts against enemy convoys using light vessels and submarines, causing losses to the enemy. It has also successfully defended its bases, which have only rarely been threatened by enemy air or submarine forces.

Despite the British fleet being twice the size of ours, both fleets have so far conducted similar types of operations. Examining the results, it must be concluded that the balance of outcomes is more favourable to us. The losses and damage sustained by both sides are roughly equivalent. It is clear that the more powerful navy, the British, has a greater interest in changing this state of affairs, whereas we should aim to preserve the current situation. Despite being weaker, we are fully able to carry out the missions assigned to our Navy under the existing conditions. There is therefore no reason to alter the course of action pursued so far.

A naval battle could arise from two possible situations: either an encounter between enemy fleets where one seeks to prevent the other from completing a mission, or a deliberate effort by one fleet to seek out and destroy the other. The first scenario could occur at any moment, as happened in the brief clash at Punta Stilo. In such a case, our Navy will face the battle with the utmost determination if success seems likely. The second scenario is beyond our capability, as we are the weaker side. If the British Navy initiates such an action, we will be prepared to face the consequences. Conceiving a naval battle as an end in itself is illogical and does not warrant further discussion.

The conclusion is to continue along the path followed so far.

General Pietro Badoglio

After the failed Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 1 and the aftermath of the submarine Iride’s sinking, Admiral Domenico Cavagnari, Chief of Staff of the Royal Italian Navy, assigns Commander Mario Giorgini a new mission. The 1a Flottiglia MAS is to conduct near-simultaneous attacks using Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s against Alexandria, Egypt, and Gibraltar. The submarines Gondar and Scirè, currently undergoing modifications at the La Spezia Arsenal to serve as Siluro a Lenta Corsa carriers, are selected for this operation: Gondar targets Alexandria, while Scirè is directed towards Gibraltar.

Alexandria Harbour, located in Alexandria, Egypt, is one of the most significant ports in the Mediterranean. It serves as a critical maritime and military hub due to its location on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, near the strategically vital Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Alexandria Harbour consists of the Inner Harbour: The protected part of the port, used for docking warships, supply vessels, and commercial ships. It is shielded by breakwaters and is equipped with multiple berths for naval and civilian operations and the Outer Harbour: The larger, less protected area used for anchoring larger vessels awaiting entry into the inner harbour. The harbour is accessed through narrow channels, which are well-defended during wartime, including anti-submarine nets, minefields, and patrols.

During World War II, Alexandria Harbour is a major base for the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet. Its proximity to key conflict zones, including North Africa, Malta, and the Eastern Mediterranean, makes it a central hub for Allied operations. Alexandria serves as the headquarters for the British Mediterranean Fleet, coordinating naval engagements, convoy protection, and anti-submarine warfare in the region. The harbour facilitates the movement of troops, fuel, ammunition, and other vital supplies for campaigns in North Africa, particularly the Western Desert Campaign.

On September 19th, 1940, Supermarina issues order number 4973 to Capitano di Fregata Giorgini, initiating Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2. The raid is scheduled for the night of September 28th, 1940 and September 29th, 1940, coinciding with the last quarter of the moon, with a contingency plan for the following night in case of delays due to British interference or navigation issues. The Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s are to be deployed within a thirty-minute window.

The detailed operational plan prioritizes battleships as primary targets, followed by aircraft carriers, the floating dock, and cruisers. Each Siluro a Lenta Corsa warhead, weighing 225 kilograms, is set with a two-hour detonation timer. After completing their missions, the Siluro a Lenta Corsa operators are instructed to destroy their vehicles near one of the French warships interned in Alexandria since France’s surrender, then board these ships and identify themselves as officers of the Royal Navy on permanent active service, equipped with appropriate identification cards, while withholding further mission details. Gondar is to maintain communication with Supermarina using the special code “G.”

The three Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s designated for the Alexandria operation are loaded onto Gondar in La Spezia, secured in container cylinders. Their crews, each consisting of two men, will board in Messina, where Gondar is scheduled to arrive at 21:00 on September 23rd, 1940, having departed La Spezia on the night of the September 21st, 1940.

Tenente di Vascello Francesco Brunetti, former commander of the ill-fated Iride, is appointed to lead Gondar. He is determined to complete the mission interrupted by Iride’s sinking, aiming to honor and avenge his fallen crew members. The 1a Flottiglia MAS is resolute in retaliating for the setback and losses suffered in the Gulf of Bomba; striking Alexandria becomes a matter of principle.

Brunetti’s submarine team will include a team of ten men from the Xa Flottiglia MAS under the leadership of Capitano di Fregata Mario Giorgini. These men, all highly trained in underwater operations, are tasked with planting hydrophones on buoys located 16 kilometres from Alexandria. The plan involved using these devices for long-range listening posts linked to Cyrenaica.

The Xa Flottiglia MAS personnel aboard Gondar included Tenente di Vascello Alberto Franzini and Guardiamarina Alberto Cacioppo were assigned to Siluro a Lenta Corsa 1. Capitano del Genio Navale Elios Toschi and Sottocapo Palombaro Umberto Ragnati were assigned to Siluro a Lenta Corsa 2, forming the second operator team responsible for executing their part of the operation. Capitano di Artiglieria Navale Gustavo Stefanini and Sottocapo Palombaro Alessandro Scappino were assigned to Siluro a Lenta Corsa 3, completing the trio of Siluro a Lenta Corsa teams prepared for the assault on Alexandria.

The additional reserves included Guardiamarina Aristide Calcagno, and Sottocapo Palombaro Giovanni Lazzaroni, who were on standby to replace any operator if necessary or provide additional support to the mission’s objectives. Capo Elettricista di Seconda Classe Cipriano Cipriani, was supporting the technical aspects of the mission.

Notably, Captain Elios Toschi and Sergeant Giovanni Lazzaroni are veterans of the unsuccessful Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 1. After surviving the sinking of Iride, they played crucial roles in rescuing sailors trapped in the submarine’s wreckage.

September 21st, 1940

At 22:00, Adua-Class Submarine Gondar departs the Submarine Barracks quay in La Spezia, Italy under the command of Tenente di Vascello Francesco Brunetti. The submarine’s immediate objective is to travel to Messina to embark the mission personnel and load necessary supplies.

September 23rd, 1940

At 21:05, Gondar reaches the Paradiso buoy outside Messina’s harbour and later docks at the coal pier. During the night, the submarine refuels and resupplies. As per operational security protocols, Tenente di Vascello Brunetti delivers the submarine’s secret archive to Capitano di Fregata Biagi, Commander of the Messina Submarine Group, retaining only essential operational documents.

September 24th, 1940

At 07:00, the mission personnel, including the frogmen of the Xa Flottiglia MAS, board the submarine. Shortly after, Gondar sets course for Alexandria, following the route outlined in the operation orders.

September 28th, 1940

At 22:00, Gondar encounters an enemy corvette approximately 1,500 metres off its port bow. Following pre-established orders, Tenente di Vascello Brunetti orders the submarine to dive to avoid detection. The submarine halts all machinery except the gyrocompass, and hydrophones are used to monitor the corvette’s movements until it moves out of range. After two and a half hours, Gondar surfaces, recharges its batteries, and resumes its course.

September 29th, 1940

Gondar is forced to submerge again when its hydrophones detect the distinctive sounds of turbine-powered ships nearby. These noises indicate the presence of at least three ships in close proximity. Shortly after, the engines of additional vessels are detected, though they appear to be moving away. The crew on board the Gondar remains vigilant as numerous ships are observed at distances ranging between 500 and 2,000 metres.

Unbeknownst to the crew, these ships belong to the British Mediterranean Fleet, which is heading out to sea as part of Operation MB 5. The Gondar navigates cautiously through the waters, unaware of the large-scale naval operation unfolding around it. Each sighting adds to the tension, as the submarine operates deep within hostile waters, reliant on its stealth and the skill of its crew to avoid detection. These units continue southwards and disappear from detection by 04:30

At 13:55, Supermarina sends Priority Message No. 28644 to the Naval Command at Tobruk, informing them of Gondar’s redirection. Marina Tobruk is tasked with notifying Capitano di Fregata Mario Giorgini that Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2 is postponed due to the fleet’s departure and that Gondar should prepare to sail upon the fleet’s return. However, operating submerged, Gondar does not receive this message.

Later that evening, at sunset around 19:00, Gondar surfaces about 11 kilometres from Alexandria to refresh the air and recharge its batteries. Shortly thereafter, Supermarina, Headquarters of the Regio Marina, transmits an urgent directive, instructing Gondar to proceed to Tobruk and await further orders. This command arises because Supermarina has learned that the British Mediterranean Fleet, including battleships H.M.S. Valiant and H.M.S. Warspite, aircraft carrier H.M.S. Illustrious, cruisers H.M.S. York, H.M.S. Sydney, and H.M.S. Orion, along with destroyers H.M.S. Hyperion, H.M.S. Hero, H.M.S. Hereward, H.M.S. Imperial, H.M.S. Ilex, H.M.S. Jervis, H.M.S. Juno, H.M.S. Janus, H.M.S. Mohawk, H.M.S. Nubian, and H.M.A.S. Stuart, departed Alexandria on September 28th, 1940. Their mission, designated Operation MB 5, aims to reinforce Malta’s garrison by transporting 2,000 troops aboard the cruisers H.M.S. Liverpool and H.M.S. Gloucester. Consequently, Alexandria no longer harbours significant targets such as battleships, aircraft carriers, or cruisers, rendering Gondar’s mission obsolete.

As Gondar adjusts its route, the crew detects an enemy vessel at a distance of 1,500 metres. The submarine immediately executes an emergency dive to a depth of 80 metres. All machinery is stopped, and the crew tracks the enemy ship passing directly overhead via hydrophones.

The Australian destroyer H.M.A.S. Stuart detects the Gondar at 22:15. The H.M.A.S. Stuart, which is returning to Alexandria due to a defective steam pipe, conducts a routine anti-submarine (A/S) search at a speed of 30 km/h (16 knots). Its ASDIC operator picks up a contact at 2,740 metres, prompting the destroyer to increase speed to 33 km/h (18 knots) and launch an attack.

At 22:20, the H.M.A.S. Stuart drops six depth charges. The charges detonate in close proximity of the Gondar, inflicting substantial damage. Twenty-five minutes later, a second pattern of five depth charges is released. The destroyer reduces speed to 22 km/h (12 knots) to enhance sonar effectiveness.

September 30th, 1940

At 01:00, a single depth charge is dropped at maximum depth. At 02:00, the H.M.A.S. Stuart launches a fourth attack with six depth charges.

The crew of the Gondar endures oppressive heat, stale air, and the constant threat of hull breaches as the submarine’s systems fail. Lieutenant Vincenzo Cicirello, the chief engineer, attempts to repair the compromised air purification system without success. Commander Brunetti authorizes the release of compressed air to improve conditions, but the atmosphere remains stifling.

After six hours of immobility, Tenente di Vascello Francesco Brunetti initiates maneuvers to evade the persistent enemy pursuit, adjusting the submarine’s depth intermittently. Despite these efforts, the characteristic whip-like sounds of the enemy’s sonar indicate that Gondar remains detected. At one point, possibly due to sustained damage, the submarine begins an uncontrolled ascent, reaching a depth of 40 metres, which exacerbates the impact of subsequent depth charge attacks.

By 03:50, a fifth depth charge is dropped. The relentless bombardment continues until 06:25, when a final salvo of five depth charges is released.

At 06:30, Royal Air Force Short Sunderland Mk I flying boat, piloted by Captain P.H. Alington and Lieutenant Brand of L. 2166 of No. 230 Squadron, arrives on the scene and begins circling overhead. Having departed Alexandria at 05:30, the aircraft circles the Stuart, signals recognition, and commences a low-altitude search for the submarine. At 09:25, the armed trawler H.M.T. Sindonis joins the hunt. Five minutes later, the Sunderland drops a bomb 2,740 metres from the destroyer.

By that time the Gondar is critically damaged. The pneumatic systems responsible for operating ballast tanks and air vents have failed. Flooding in the aft compartments, which house the Siluro a Lenta Corsa’s, compromises the vessel’s integrity, while the electric batteries’ charge is reduced to 60 percent. Internal pressure rises to levels equivalent to 30 metres depth, and water breaches multiple areas, including the MT rooms and launch chambers.

Around 08:30, the Gondar is taking on water at an increasing rate, and maintaining depth control has become unmanageable. The compressed air reserves have dwindled to 30 kilograms per square centimeter, the minimum required for surfacing. Recognizing the dire circumstances, mission commander, Capitano di Fregata Mario Giorgini consults with his officers and concludes that remaining submerged poses an imminent risk of sinking, which would result in the total loss of the crew. He instructs Tenente di Vascello Francesco Brunetti to surface the submarine, evacuate the crew, and scuttle the vessel to prevent its capture. Giorgini emphasizes that offensive actions, such as torpedo launches, should only be attempted if the submarine is in an optimal position upon surfacing.

Following these orders, the crew dons life jackets, and at 08:40, Brunetti commands the venting of the ballast tanks and central double bottoms to initiate surfacing. As the Gondar ascends, it becomes evident that the damage sustained has led to an uncontrolled rise, bringing the submarine to a depth of approximately 40 metres. This unintended ascent exposes the vessel to intensified depth charge attacks from pursuing enemy forces.

At 09:20, after enduring eleven hours of relentless pursuit and attack, the Gondar surfaces approximately 730 metres from the bow of the Australian destroyer H.M.A.S. Stuart. Upon surfacing, the Stuart immediately opens fire with all available armaments. Simultaneously, a Royal Air Force Sunderland flying boat, operating at low altitude, drops bombs near the submarine. Despite the hostile actions, the crew of the Gondar proceeds with evacuation.

During the evacuation, Guardiamarina Giuseppe Dell’Oro is tasked with disposing of a box containing classified materials to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. Upon opening the hatch to exit, the significant internal pressure difference propels him outward, resulting in injuries upon landing on the deck. Following him, crew members exit through the bow and conning tower hatches, leaping into the surrounding waters.

Observing the abandonment, H.M.A.S. Stuart ceases fire, and Commander Norman Teacher orders the deployment of a whaleboat to assist in the rescue. The distance between the two vessels is just over 900 metres; some Italian sailors swim directly to the H.M.A.S. Stuart, while others are retrieved by the whaleboat. The crew members are found to be drenched, grimy, and exhausted from the ordeal.

With most of the crew safely in the water, Captain Brunetti, along with several others, including Electrician’s Mate Luigi Longobardi, return to the control room to initiate scuttling procedures. They open the sea valves of the ballast tanks and central double bottoms to ensure the submarine’s sinking. After completing these actions, they ascend to the conning tower and are among the last to abandon the vessel. Mission Commander Giorgini conducts a final inspection to confirm no one remains aboard before he, too, exits into the sea.

Commander Teacher of the H.M.A.S. Stuart had hoped to capture the Gondar intact and tow her to Alexandria. However, upon approaching the stricken submarine, it becomes apparent that scuttling measures have been implemented. As the crew evacuates the submarine, Capo Elettricista di Seconda Classe Luigi Longobardi remains aboard to assist Tenente di Vascello Brunetti with the scuttling process. Tragically, Longobardi loses his life in the effort. Shortly after the last man departs, explosive charges detonate, and the Gondar begins to sink stern-first. The bow remains visible above the surface for several minutes before the submarine finally disappears beneath the waves at approximately 09:25, at the coordinates 32°02’N, 27°54’E, approximately 120–185 kilometres northwest of Alexandria. The crew, consisting of five officers, thirty-three ratings, and ten men from the Xa Flottiglia MAS, are rescued. Twenty-eight survivors are recovered by H.M.A.S. Stuart, while nineteen are picked up by H.M.T. Sindonis.

On the late afternoon of 30 September 1940, HMAS Stuart approaches Alexandria harbour, proudly displaying the Australian Ensign at her masthead. As she nears her berth, the crew observes H.M.A.S. Vampire adorned with the ‘Wallaby Jack’ flag at each masthead and yardarm, with Captain Hector Waller and his men assembled on deck. Upon drawing level, Captain Waller leads his crew in three hearty cheers and signals: “Whacko! You did not waste much time.”

H.M.A.S. Vendetta joins in the commendations, signalling: “Whacko, Whiskers,” referring to Lieutenant Norman W. Teacher’s distinctive beard. Not to be left out, H.M.A.S. Waterhen signals: “Whacko, but I don’t know what it is all about.”

Aftermath

The crew and mission personnel of the submarine Gondar were recognised for their extraordinary bravery and commitment, even in the face of capture and adversity. Several were awarded high military honours by the Italian government for their actions during Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2.

Capo Elettricista di Seconda Classe Luigi Longobardi is posthumously awarded the Medaglia d’Oro for his bravery in scuttling the Gondar. Tenente di Vascello Francesco Brunetti and Capitano di Fregata Mario Giorgini both received the Medaglia di Bronzo al Valor Militare. Capitano del Genio Navale Elios Toschi was doubly honoured. He received the Croce di Guerra al Valor Militare for his efforts during Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2 and was also named a Cavaliere dell’Ordine Militare d’Italia for his extraordinary contributions to the Xa Flottiglia MAS and his pioneering work with Siluro a Lenta Corsa. While, Tenente di Vascello Alberto Franzini, Guardiamarina Alberto Cacioppo, Sottocapo Palombaro Umberto Ragnati Sottocapo Palombaro Alessandro Scappino, Guardiamarina Aristide Calcagno, Sottocapo Palombaro Giovanni Lazzaroni and Capitano di Artiglieria Navale Gustavo Stefanini were all awarded the Croce di Guerra al Valor Militare for their courage and dedication to the mission, despite their eventual capture and imprisonment.

Capitano del Genio Navale Elios Toschi, a co-founder of the Xa Flottiglia MAS alongside Teseo Tesei, is later imprisoned in a British Prisoner Of War camp in India. He makes a remarkable escape by trekking through the Himalayas and reaching Portuguese Goa.

The wreck of Gondar is reportedly examined by divers in November 1940. The loss of the submarine, combined with the failure of Operazione Golfo di Alessandria 2, represents a devastating blow to the Xa Flottiglia MAS. Despite meticulous planning and the valiant efforts of the crew, the mission fails to achieve its objectives, underscoring the high risks associated with these daring operations.

In recognition of their actions, the commander of the H.M.A.S. Stuart, Lieutenant N.W. Teacher is awarded the Distinguished Service Order, Sub-Lieutenants J.B. Griffin and T.C. Cree receive the Distinguished Service Cross, and Leading Seamen A.H. MacDonald and L.T. Pike are honoured with the Distinguished Service Medal.

Multimedia
Footage from Sunderland flying boat, L. 2166 of No. 230 Squadron

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