Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:21:03-4:22:39

What could bring Italy to peace in 1941?

Heavier losses ashore or a larger Taranto strike are proposed as possible pressures for an Italian peace in 1941.

Alternate HistoryBattle Of TarantoFairey SwordfishHMS EagleHMS IllustriousItalian NavyMediterranean Theatre
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Question

What could cause Italy to seek peace in 1941?

Short answer

The suggested pressures are heavier defeats in Africa or Greece, a failed attack on Malta, or more severe damage at Taranto if Eagle joined Illustrious.

Notes

The follow-up asks what would make an Italian withdrawal plausible within the counterfactual. The proposed pressures include expulsion from North and East Africa, heavier losses in Greece and a failed invasion of Malta. A larger Taranto attack is another suggestion. With HMS Eagle accompanying Illustrious and land-based Swordfish supplementing their air groups, the panel imagines both carriers taking 24 aircraft for a force of about 48. That is the proposed strike strength within the scenario; the claim is that greater damage to the Italian fleet could increase the pressure for peace.