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Italian Night Fighting


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#1 Richard Cornwell

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Posted 04 May 2013 - 12:37 AM

Hi,

In the rules it says that the Italians didn't fire 8" or larger calibre guns at night.

Reading the account of the Beta Convoy Action in O'Hara's Struggle for the Middle Sea he says Trento and Trieste fired over 200 8" shells between them (didn't hit anything).

It always struck me as a bit absurd that the Italians wouldn't fire large calibre guns at night, at least after seeing the Brits do.

Any ideas when the doctrine changed (if it was actually observed in action)?

RIchard

#2 Frank

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Posted 05 May 2013 - 04:33 PM

I saw that, and wondered, also. However, there is a dark column on the CRT, and it includes larger guns. Makes for very poor odds for the RM. I'm guessing the rangefinders didn't work well in the dark. I'd say go for it, just don't expect to win a night shootout with the RN. Looking forward to the reply.

#3 simanton

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Posted 06 May 2013 - 06:06 PM

The Littorios mounted starshell guns. I guess at night they only expected to use the 6.1" at night.

#4 simanton

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Posted 06 May 2013 - 06:07 PM

The previous post was courtesy of your local Department Of Redundancy Department.

#5 Cpt M

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Posted 06 May 2013 - 08:27 PM

Hi,

In the rules it says that the Italians didn't fire 8" or larger calibre guns at night.

Reading the account of the Beta Convoy Action in O'Hara's Struggle for the Middle Sea he says Trento and Trieste fired over 200 8" shells between them (didn't hit anything).

It always struck me as a bit absurd that the Italians wouldn't fire large calibre guns at night, at least after seeing the Brits do.

Any ideas when the doctrine changed (if it was actually observed in action)?

RIchard


Actually, the rules are correct. The Italian navy entered the war with NO night fighting doctrine or training for their large units. It was felt that, given their superior speed, that they could avoid night actions. In fact, in mid the '30s, the Italians ceased all training for night actions. So, yes, for their large units (CAs and above), they would generally avoid any night battles. That this changed is evident, but the exact date is unclear (certainly no earlier than mid to late '42).




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