Hi,
New release!
Translation: Tomek Basarabowicz (as in previous volumes)
A word from me: The part on submarines is a completed and illustrated version of the Polish edition, which was warmly welcomed in my country. I am much less satisfied with the chapter on blockade runners, as I relied heavily on the Italian Wikipedia (but of course I completed the text there with some information). But I was very keen to add this chapter, so that was the decision I made (the Wikipedia articles were really good). I think the book as a whole should not disappoint anyone.
Next goal: The struggle and bitter end of the Italian Army in Russia 1942-1943, scheduled for release in 2024!
This book describes the operations of a group of Italian submarines that took part in the Atlantic conflict during the World War Two. A total of 32 submarines flying the tricolour flag of the Regia Marina passed through the Betasom base, located at the French port of Bordeaux. Almost two hundred of their combat patrols are presented in detail, all victories and defeats being discussed. The work also covers the story of the base itself, the doctrine of Italian submarines, biographies of commanders, submarines and other factors influencing successes and failures. The Italians commenced their operations in the Atlantic badly, due to a lack of previous experience they turned out to be unprepared for the actions that awaited them, but with stubbornness and hard work, they managed to transform their Atlantic contingent into a very effective fighting machine. Thanks in large part due to the efforts of Betasom’s personnel, the Italian Navy can be proud of being the sixth most effective submarine fleet in the history of this type of weapon. A separate chapter presents the history of the Italian blockade runners, which, based in Bordeaux, were to break into the Far East, carrying in both directions material of strategic importance, urgently needed for the war-fighting of Italy, Germany and Japan.
The book is illustrated with 100 photos or drawings and 15 maps.
List of chapters:
I. Betasom Is Formed
II. Doctrine, Ships And Commanders
III. Road To Bordeaux
IV. The First Patrols From The Betasom Base
V. Hard Winter In The North Atlantic
VI. In The Waters Between The Azores And Gibraltar
VII. The Turn Of 1941/1942 In The South Atlantic
VIII. In American Waters
IX. Twilight Of The Gods
X. Italians In The Far East
XI. Bordeaux As Base For Italian Blockade Runners
Greetings!
