Raffaele de Courten became the Italian naval chief as the government moved toward peace. He met Admiral Andrew Cunningham at Taranto and concluded the naval gentleman's agreement governing the fleet's transition. That settlement brought Italian ships into operations alongside the Allies. Taranto thus marked both an early symbol of Britain's Mediterranean naval war and a later turning point in which the Regia Marina changed sides. The episode gives de Courten a constructive role distinct from the earlier political chiefs.
Notable Point · 2:56:02-2:56:56
De Courten brought the Italian fleet alongside the Allies
Raffaele de Courten took command as Italy sought peace and reached the agreement with Andrew Cunningham that enabled Italian ships to operate with the Allies.