Destroyers and MTB, Sicily, July 1943
Posted by:
LColombo (IP Logged)
Date: July 31, 2016 06:56AM
During the invasion of Sicily, in July 1943, Italian motor torpedo boats were involved in serval actions against Allied units. Among these actions:
1) On 19 July 1943, MS 51 and MS 53 skimished with Allied MTBs off Acireale;
2) On 21 July 1943, MS 21, MS 51, MS 53 and MS 66 unsuccessfully attacked two British destroyers off Capo Campolato (MS 66 was heavily damaged and her CO, Lt Cdr Curzio Castagnacci, killed);
3) On 30 July 1943, MS 21, MS 53, MS 65 and MS 66 fought for over an hour against Allied MTBs, suffering nearly no damage and clamining to have inflicted serious damage upon their enemies (but this may not be the case, of course).
Does anyone know which Allied units were involved in each case, and if any damage was actually done?