Summary:

"Italian Battle Fleet 1940-43: La Squadra, the pride of the Regia Marina" by Enrico Cernuschi explores the naval operations and challenges faced by Italy during World War II. This comprehensive account sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of the Italian Battle Fleet, providing insights into its role in the Mediterranean theater of war.

A comprehensive. illustrated account of the wartime Italian battle fleet, from its ships and technology to command structure, logistics, codebreaking and more.

In the 1920s, the Italian Navy faced great challenges. Mussolini's ambitious Italy turned away from its alliance with Britain and France, and the Regia Marina faced the prospect of confronting both the French Navy and the Mediterranean Fleet of the Royal Navy. In the years leading up to World War II, the Regia Marina built and deployed a powerful battleship-led fleet – known in Italy as 'La Squadra' – intended to make the Mediterranean an Italian sea once more.

In this book, Italian naval historian Enrico Cernuschi offers a fresh assessment of the wartime Italian battle fleet, based on his lifetime of primary-source research from both Italian and Allied sources. It offers a comprehensive portrait of this proud armada, how it was devised and built, and how it operated and fought. It covers a multitude of factors often overlooked, such as Italy's naval codebreakers, the fleet's logistics, and the qualities and limitations of Italian industry that supported it. The book also provides a concise account and analysis of the battle fleet's activities through the war, from major clashes such as the Battle of Calabria to lesser-known expeditions. The author's research into Italian wartime primary sources overturns some myths still commonplace in Anglo-American accounts.

Illustrated with superb new artwork, maps and 3D diagrams, and featuring rare photos, this book is a fascinating account of Italy's great fleet of World War II.

Editorial Reviews:

"A detailed and insightful examination of Italy's naval forces in WWII. Cernuschi's work is a valuable contribution to naval history." - Naval Review

"Cernuschi offers a compelling narrative of the Italian Battle Fleet's wartime experiences. A must-read for WWII naval enthusiasts." - Military History Monthly

About the Author:

Enrico Cernuschi is a distinguished naval historian with a focus on Italian naval operations during WWII. His research provides a nuanced understanding of Italy's role in the conflict, particularly in the Mediterranean theater.