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reconnaissance and ambush missions along the coastline of Malta.
Operational Area
Malta with the objectives of Operazione 110 and Operazione 111.
Allied Forces
Malta Garrison
Axis Forces
Rosolino Pilo-Class Torpedo Boat Giuseppe Cesare Abba
MTSM 218
Commanding Officer: Tenente di Vascello Giuseppe Cosulich
Crew: Capo di 2a Classe Aldo Pia
Diver: Giuseppe Guglielmo
MTSM 214
Commanding Officer: Sottotenente di Vascello Ongarillo Ungarelli
Crew: Sottocapo Motorista Arnaldo De Angelis
Agent: Sottotenente Carmelo Borg Pisani
Operation
In preparation for a planned amphibious invasion of the Maltese archipelago, a contingent of Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato’s is deployed to Augusta, Sicily. Their objective is to conduct reconnaissance and ambush missions along the coastline of Malta.
On the evening of May 17th, 1942, the Torpedo Boat Giuseppe Cesare Abba departs from Augusta, accompanied by MAS 574 and MAS 576, which provide escort for two Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato’s assigned separate missions in Maltese waters.
Operazione 110
MTSM 218 sets course for Marsaskala (Wied il-Għajn), carrying diver Giuseppe Guglielmo of the Xa Flottiglia MAS, Gruppo Gamma. Under cover of darkness, Guglielmo disembarks using an inflatable raft, which he deflates before proceeding on foot for a nocturnal reconnaissance mission. However, upon his return, he is unable to re-establish contact with MTSM 218, which had remained on station until nearly dawn before being forced to withdraw. As a result, Guglielmo is captured by the British.
Operazione 111
MTSM 214 initially follows the same route as MTSM 218 towards Marsaskala before proceeding alone beyond Marsaxlokk, navigating along the southern coastline of Malta. In a secluded cove, approximately 150 metres offshore, it deploys an agent using an inflatable raft. This agent, Carmelo Borg Pisani, is a Maltese national residing in Italy and a Sottotenente of the Milmart, operating under the alias Caio Borghi. Equipped with a two-way radio, his mission is to remain concealed in the hills while gathering intelligence. However, he is soon captured, identified as a Maltese citizen, and sentenced to death. His execution takes place five months later.
Follow Up
Following these missions, the Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato’s from Augusta conduct several ambush operations along the approach routes to Valletta. However, these efforts yield no significant results, and the missions ultimately prove unsuccessful.