Italy's failed Naval landing in 1940?

[Andy H]

Can anyone shed some light on this landing force, which as far as I know has various small ship types that didn't operate well together (Differing speeds etc) and the whole force turned back without ever getting near it's proposed landing site in Southern France in 1940.

Andy H

[Lupo Solitario]

Sincerly, Andy, june 1940 campaign is not my specialty but it's FIRST time I hear this story...AFAIK there had never been a such move.
May I ask you what do you know about it?

thanks
Lupo

[Andy H]

I wish I could Lupo.

I've read an article or a passage in a book where this action is mentioned but I cant find the article or book I read the passage in.

In asked the question because it was news to me that the Italians tried even a small landing in June 1940.

Andy H

[Lupo Solitario]

Hi
I found something: a little amphibious action was studied for a landing between Menton and Cap Martin in support to XV Corps advance.
The action was never tried for bad weather and sea conditions between June 22 and 24.
About the force, marine battalions Grado and Bafile were moved (by land) from Pola to La Spezia June 19 to have part in this action.

No more, sorry

[DrG]

Since no amphibious ships were avaible, civilian boats were requisited, but they were not enough to transport the infantry. The task force was to be protected by a few MAS, 2 torpedo-boats, 2 submarines and the armed train n.2.
The command of the operation was given to Rear Admiral Porzio Giovanola, who, as told by Lupo Solitario, stopped it just at its beginning in the night of 22 June because of weather and the fact that the boats were absolutely not suited nor enough for the mission.

[Andy H]

Thank you Lupo & DrG for your information, its much appreciated

Kind Regards

Andy H