Luigi di Savoia Duca degli Abruzzi led the light cruisers and fired the opening salvos at the Battle of Calabria. She also joined the forces associated with Cape Matapan, convoy interception, and Operation Halberd before suffering torpedo damage in November 1941 and returning after repair. Following the Italian armistice, the Allies employed her with the co-belligerent navy in the South Atlantic, freeing British and American ships for more direct combat duties. A major 1953 refit extended her usefulness into the postwar Marina Militare. Her presence during the handover of Trieste also made the cruiser an instrument of Italian diplomatic position as well as a fleet unit.
Chapter · 18:42-20:12
Luigi di Savoia Duca degli Abruzzi from Calabria to the South Atlantic
Abruzzi's career spans the Battle of Calabria, major convoy interceptions, torpedo damage, co-belligerent patrols, and postwar Italian service.