In this assessment, Italian naval command was uneven. Many captains and middle- or lower-ranking senior officers appear as capable professionals, while many admirals appear as politicians tied to Mussolini. Mussolini himself held the naval ministry as dictator. The judgment is broad and does not examine individual officers.
Notable Point · 10:00-10:53
Italian naval leadership under Mussolini
A critical assessment contrasts capable captains and middle-ranking officers with politically connected admirals, while noting that Mussolini held the naval ministry.