Gentlemen,
We all know the rather devastating effect that the three QE's had on the Italian cruisers at Matapan. if, for instance, the opposition had been Littorio and Veneto caught with their trousers down instead of the cruisers would the end result have been the same, or would their armour be sufficient to enable them to fight back?
Italian Battleships at Matapan
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paul.mercer
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Dave Saxton
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Re: Italian Battleships at Matapan
At those battle ranges they would have been cut to pieces regardless.
Entering a night sea battle is an awesome business.The enveloping darkness, hiding the enemy's.. seems a living thing, malignant and oppressive.Swishing water at the bow and stern mark an inexorable advance toward an unknown destiny.
Re: Italian Battleships at Matapan
Quite likely the result would have been a devastating defeat for the Reggia Marina.
There would also be some significant strategic consequences; with the Italian Navy surface threat effectively eliminated, more of the RN Meditteranean Fleet could have been deployed in the Atlantic, in time to reinforce the Home Fleet ahead of Rheinubung. Thus the DS battle could have been very different.
It is also possible that such a defeat at Matapan could cause Barbarossa to be postponed until 1942 simply to keep Italy in the war.
There would also be some significant strategic consequences; with the Italian Navy surface threat effectively eliminated, more of the RN Meditteranean Fleet could have been deployed in the Atlantic, in time to reinforce the Home Fleet ahead of Rheinubung. Thus the DS battle could have been very different.
It is also possible that such a defeat at Matapan could cause Barbarossa to be postponed until 1942 simply to keep Italy in the war.
''Give me a Ping and one Ping only'' - Sean Connery.