The RN Bombardment Of Genoa
The RN Bombardment Of Genoa
Just what was the objective of Force H in attacking the city of Genoa on early 1941? What was hoped to be achieved? It certainly wasn't a confrontation with the Regia Marina battleships, which were only based a short distance away in La Spezia.
Hi,
as i remember Roskill, The War ar Sea 1939-1945, the target was the damaged italian battleship "Duilio" (damaged from the torpedo attack against Taranto).
The RN supposed, that the battleship was brought to Genua, where they could finish the repair.
The same was told by Playfair, The Mediterranean an the Middle East.
But I think, "Duilio" was not in Genua.
Greetings
Thomas
as i remember Roskill, The War ar Sea 1939-1945, the target was the damaged italian battleship "Duilio" (damaged from the torpedo attack against Taranto).
The RN supposed, that the battleship was brought to Genua, where they could finish the repair.
The same was told by Playfair, The Mediterranean an the Middle East.
But I think, "Duilio" was not in Genua.
Greetings
Thomas
From Playfair:-
"Information in early December suggested that one of the Littorio class BB's was being repaired in Genoa and Genoa lent itself to bombardment in waters to deep to be mined...........On the other hand it was the sort of action that might have a big moral effect; it might draw off Italian naval and air forces from other fronts, cause damage to the war industry and to shipping, and, in short give the Italians something new to worry about"
Regards
Andy H
"Information in early December suggested that one of the Littorio class BB's was being repaired in Genoa and Genoa lent itself to bombardment in waters to deep to be mined...........On the other hand it was the sort of action that might have a big moral effect; it might draw off Italian naval and air forces from other fronts, cause damage to the war industry and to shipping, and, in short give the Italians something new to worry about"
Regards
Andy H
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Davide Pastore
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According to Italian sources, during late January RN got information that Littorio and Cesare were both in repairs at Genova. Actually the first ship was Duilio (not very similar, in truth), in drydock from 3 February to the end of April, while Cesare left for Spezia a few days later. Duilio was inside the targeted area, but it was not hit.
Davide
Davide
Hi Davide
quoted from Playfair, Vol. I, p. 328ff:
On 23.1.1941 RN got the information, that LITTORIO might be in the dry dock with the CESARE alongside.
A long-range Spitfire from Malta with a photograph was sdent, but unfortunately it was shot down.
Force H was sent on 31.1.1941 (RENOWN; MALAYA; ARK ROYAL; SHEFFIELD, 10 destroyers).
6.2., 7.11 am a spotting aircraft reported, that no battleship is in the harbour (but it was wrong, DUILIO was in the dry dock, she was not hit.).
Greetings
Thomas
quoted from Playfair, Vol. I, p. 328ff:
On 23.1.1941 RN got the information, that LITTORIO might be in the dry dock with the CESARE alongside.
A long-range Spitfire from Malta with a photograph was sdent, but unfortunately it was shot down.
Force H was sent on 31.1.1941 (RENOWN; MALAYA; ARK ROYAL; SHEFFIELD, 10 destroyers).
6.2., 7.11 am a spotting aircraft reported, that no battleship is in the harbour (but it was wrong, DUILIO was in the dry dock, she was not hit.).
Greetings
Thomas