Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 30:09-32:55

Taranto in a single-front Mediterranean war

Freed from other wartime demands, the Royal Navy could concentrate carriers and battleships against Italy far more heavily than it did at Taranto.

Battle Of TarantoMediterraneanNaval AviationNaval CommunicationsNight OperationsRegia MarinaRoyal Navy
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Question

Is the Italian navy's Second World War impact overrated because Britain fought on many fronts?

Short answer

Its impact was real, but without other commitments Britain could concentrate much more naval air power and battle-fleet strength against Italy.

Notes

The Italian navy had a real strategic effect because Britain was fighting on several fronts. In a war against Italy alone, several carriers could join a Taranto-style strike and a powerful British battle line could follow. Intercepting radio traffic would not necessarily expose the concentration because the attack was at night, Italy lacked night fighters to scramble, and the Royal Navy could use Aldis lamps for close-range signaling. These practices reduced the radio traffic on which a warning might depend. The Regia Marina's danger depended heavily on Britain's wider commitments.