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Post by dorn on Nov 7, 2019 12:42:44 GMT -6
January 1917
Personal log - the 3rd of January 1917
I have spoken with Augusto and speak about dizzy . He told me that he was man of action but still need some experience as flag officer and rush things a little more that he thought. Never mind I create Committee of future navy, named Augusto as chairman and dizzy as member of the committee. The task of committtee is quite simply, how should ships in five years look like.
Personal log - the 8th of January 1917
The remaining 7 destroyers of Impavido class has been commissioned. Today I get offer from US government about technology increased elevation for turrets. I decided to buy it for 3.2 M. Our scientists invented gyro stabiliser for fire control.
Personal log - the 30th of January 1917
I order Regina Pacis seaplane carrier and she will be built in Taranto and transfer Captain kriegsmeister to submarines.
USA has laid down battleship of new Michigan class - 35000 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned battleship Benbow of her class - 31300 tons, 19 knots, 10x16" guns, 11.5" belt armour
Royal Navy has commissioned light cruiser Brilliant - 6200 tons, 28 knots, 5x6" guns, 4 swivel torpedo tubes, 2.5" belt armour
February 1917
Personal log - the 8th of February 1917
I have just got information that Italian industry is able to build diesel generators.
Personal log - the 28th of February 197
I am still waiting for the report of Committee of future navy as it is important for any other future projects. Meantime I have some time to think about. Our main enemy is France with 7 battleships (+1 under construction), but only 5 (+1) aremodern ones. We have 4 modern battleship with another 2 under construction which are much better than French ones. They have 3 battlecruisers and 3 under construction, we have 6 battlecruisers and 3 under construction. 1 of theirs battlecruisers are old as 5 of ours. After all ships are finished we will have 4 modern battlecruiser against 5 of theirs but overall our is better. They have 18 cruisers from which are half obsolote and 4 under construction. We have 8 cruisers and 3 under construction. It seems their fleet is larger however we are about equal with modern ships.
France has laid down 4th light cruiser of Coetlogon class - 3400 tons
USA has laid down another light cruiser of Birmingham class - 6400 tons, 29 knots, 8x6" guns (5x6" broadside), 2.5" belt armour
Germany has commissioned battleship Elsass of her class - 29000 tons, 20 knots, 10x15" guns, 16.5" main belt
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Post by captainloggy on Nov 7, 2019 13:32:36 GMT -6
The crazy thing about this Elsass class is that it is possible, even though the deck armor might be quite weak.
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Post by dorn on Nov 7, 2019 14:47:49 GMT -6
The crazy thing about this Elsass class is that it is possible, even though the deck armor might be quite weak. But during bad weather she can be quite dangerous. However she is no threat for Regia Marina as there will be no war in 5 years and at that time she will be outclassed. Still, she has the highest thick of belt armour I have ever seen on any AI ship.
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Post by cabalamat on Nov 9, 2019 10:20:23 GMT -6
Regarding Elsass, even though it is well armed and armoured, it has an Achilles Heel: it's slow. This means faster Italian ships can choose not to engage it. It also makes it vulnerable to torpedo attack.
An Elsass with a speed of 30 knots would be a killer.
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Post by dorn on Nov 9, 2019 14:11:36 GMT -6
Regarding Elsass, even though it is well armed and armoured, it has an Achilles Heel: it's slow. This means faster Italian ships can choose not to engage it. It also makes it vulnerable to torpedo attack. An Elsass with a speed of 30 knots would be a killer. There is only 1 knot difference between Elsass and Italian battle line which is not significant. However the main point is that Regia Marina will not faced German Navy in near future.
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Post by dorn on Nov 9, 2019 15:49:42 GMT -6
March 1917
Personal log - the 2nd of March 1917
Leonardo da Vinci has finished working up, she is nice and realiable ship. I have talked with Augusto and agreed how to reorganized our battlecruiser divisions.
Personal log - the 19th of March 1917
I have just returned from Leonardo da Vinci where I promote Vice-Admiral dizzy and made him commander of newly created 3rd battlecruiser division with flag ship Leonardo da Vinci. Leopardo was temporary transferred to this division till Marco Polo is ready for service.
Personal log - the 27th of March 1917
Firstly we have agreed with Captain kriegsmeister to choose Caprioni Ca.20 prototype to be our fighter and he informed me about Breda Ba.67 being ready for operational service. I have promoted Commodore kriegsmeister and made him head of Active trade warfare department, newly created. He will be charge of all efforts to disrupt enemy trade however he has available only 13 submarines, another 12 are under construction. He will get available 2 new cruisers of Nino Bixio class for his operations as soon as they will be ready for service.
Personal log - the 31st of March 1917
I need to think about new French battlecruiser under construction which is 3000 tons larger than our Andrea Doria class battlecruiser under construction. And 2 new French light cruisers with 3 under construction is something to be worry about as they speed is 2 knots higher than our fastest cruiser no matter that their armament and protection is just a little better than our new destroyers.
France has laid down another battlecruiser of Toulouse class - 34000 tons
France has commissioned 2 light cruisers of Coetlogon class - 3400 tons, 30 knots, 4x5" guns, 0.5" belt armour
Austria-Hungary has laid down the 3rd battlecruiser of Mähren class - 29600 tons
Austria-Hungary has commissioned battlecruiser Galizien of Slavonien class - 27900 tons, 25 knots, 6x13" guns, 8" belt armour
USA has laid down the 2nd battleship of Michigan class - 35000 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned the 2nd battleship of Benbow class - 31300 tons, 19 knots, 10x16" guns, 11.5" belt armour
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Post by dizzy on Nov 12, 2019 9:15:50 GMT -6
Personal Log: Last week of March, 1917Does nothing work on this boat? The pride of the fleet, Leonardo da Vinci is a complete mess. I've done shakedown cruises before, but never have we put to sea a boat with so many concept to reality components. If we clash with France before these mechanics are worked out and this crew trained, Leonardo da Vinci will end up on the bottom or run aground. I've run drills around the clock, still we can't hit the side of a freighter with these guns at a thousand yards. I've spent exhausting time with the gun loading crew and had talks with the gun manufacturer and a better gun is available, but that won't help us on this boat. There's no time to put her back in dock for an upgrade. Doubling our efforts are getting us nowhere. I shall look toward another solution. With weary an eye, the crew has become accustomed to my motto, "You'll get plenty of sleep when you're dead!" Training continues. On paper, this boat has advantages in range and penetration, but is a knot slower than the Dunkerque class. That poses a small problem. I'm confident in the caliber of our gun, but with the quality of the gun and crew, our pen and range advantage evaporates. The Marco Polo cannot be completed fast enough. The Lepanto class will not help me in battle. They cannot outrun the Nantes class Battleships. With the exception of the captain of the Leone, their crews and commanders are good. They will be dependable in battle, yet under gunned. I shall have the Leone drill with Leonardo da Vinci. Perhaps competition shall eek out some quality. I've also been tasked with developing a 5 year plan for ship design. I can tell the design board now, give me a fleet with more guns and faster ships! If we get through this training without having French shells fired into us, I'll sit down and put pen to paper for my wishlist. ...I've just been notified the crew hit a target. I wonder if it was an accident. I shall investigate. Vice Admiral Dizzy Commander 3rd Battlecruiser Division, Regia Marina Captain of the Battlecruiser, Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci and Leone - Gun Drills
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Post by dorn on Nov 12, 2019 13:04:38 GMT -6
April 1917
Personal log - the 4th of April 1917
I have got report on future navy from Augusto. The report mentioned that destroyers will be bigger with heavy guns up to 5" caliber with lots of torpedo mounts, cruisers will become better armoured with standard 2-3" belt armour and 6" guns and speed from 29-30 knots, battlecruisers will probably become slightly faster with heavy 16" guns. Battleship much more larger, faster and better armoured in way that the difference between battleships and battlecruisers would be minimal as it has already happened in Regia Maria. The report focused on importance of submarines and trade warfare and expect that aicrafts will be mostly used as scouts however more as additional possibility to cruisers as their reliability and range will increased only slowly. Another important thing is that speed is not considered as important in the Mediterranean as elsewhere in the world. The most interesting suggestion I have found except increasing tonnage of ships to achieve higher speed, better armour, heavier guns is for cruisers to use large guns caliber even with less armour and use of superior range and damage of such ships.
Personal log - the 7th of April 1917
Nino Bixio cruiser has been commissioned, our first cruiser that can operate even in areas outside the Mediterranean.
Personal log - the 16th of April 1917
I have been able to persuade the Prime Minister importance of Regia Marina to secure our interest and he has agreed to increase our budget.
Personal log - the 30th of April 1917
Royal Navy has laid down the 2nd battleship of Anson class - 26100 tons
France has commissioned 6th battleship of Nantes class - 27100 tons, 26 knots, 8x13" guns, 13" belt armour
May 1917
Personal log - the 5th of May 1917
Augusto came to my office today with idea to equip our cruisers with above water torpedo tubes. It seems quite good idea.
Personal log - the 31st of May 1917
I have ordered to increase docks as answer to report of future navy that expects ships going to be larger.
Royal Navy has laid down new Glorious class battlecruiser - 32900 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned the 4th battleship of Benbow class - 31300 tons, 19 knots, 10x16" guns, 11.5" armour belt
Russia has laid down new Imperator Nikolai I class battlecruiser - 34100 tons
USA has laid down another Essex class battlecruiser - 33500 tons
France has commissioned the 4th battlecruiser of Dunkerque class - 29100 tons, 27 knots, 8x14" guns, 12" belt armour
Austria-Hungary has commissioned battlecruiser Mähren - 29600 tons, 26 knots, 9x14" guns, 9" belt armour
Germany has commissioned light cruiser Danzig of Mannheim class - 5400 tons, 27 knots, 6x6" guns (5x6" broadside), 2" belt armour
Germany has commissioned battlecruiser Erfurt - 31700 tons, 26 knots, 12x15" guns, 8" belt armour
June 1917
Personal log - the 9th of June 1917
Marsala cruiser and Marco Polo battlecruiser have been commissioned.
Personal log - the 13th of June 1917
Ansaldo informed me that they have developed better 8" guns that much better than 7" guns. Situation with France is terrible, nothing happens however just one small fire can unleashed the hell.
Personal log -the 30th of June 1917
Royal Navy has laid down the 2nd Glorious class battlecruiser - 32900 tons
USA has laid down the 3rd Michigan class battleship - 35000 tons
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Post by dorn on Nov 15, 2019 17:54:05 GMT -6
July 1917
Personal log - the 5th of July 1917
I had meeting with Augusto that we had discussed future capital ships. He told me about an idea of Vice-Admiral dizzy having really fast battlecruiser. We have looked into situation and compare Andrea Doria battlecruiser with costs of 122 M to ship with speed 4 knots higher. We have found that such ship would need 39400 tons which could not be build. Costs were estimated to 165 M. We have agreed that we need to limit costs to 140 M maximum, ideal 135 M. Another point was what we need for such fast battlecruiser. I have already had for some time in my mind issue about our short range of all ships. So it would be good to have some battlecruiser that can operate not only around Italian Peninsula. We have spoken about sacrifices we could make. We have discussed that with such high speed that ship can easily choose the range and that deck armour could be sacrificed as number of guns and that British 15" Mk1 guns are sufficient for that tasks. We ask for some designs to be done quickly.
Personal log - the 30th of July 1917
I finally push the design of battlecruiser to be approved. New battlecruiser with speed of 31 knots, 6x15" main guns, 13.5" belt armour, 2.5" deck armour, 14.5" turret armour.
Personal log - the 31th of July 1917
France has laid down the 2nd battlecruiser of Toulouse class - 34000 tons
Russia has laid down new light cruiser of Diana class - 6000 tons
USA has laid down the 2nd battlecruiser of Essex class - 33500 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned the 5th battleship of Benbow class - 31300 tons, 19 knots, 10x16" guns, 11.5" belt armour
August 1917
Personal log - the 3rd of August 1917
I have ordered Cagliari light cruiser to return to La Spezia for refit. Her submerged torpedo tubes will be removed, 6" guns will be replaced and pair of guns will be added.
Personal log - the 4th of August 1917
The first shooting was announced in border with France. Next message I got was that we are in war and prepared Italian Army started attack on French lines. I immediately ordered 1st scout division to accompany Cagliari to La Spezia.
Personal log - the 31th of August 1917
Royal Navy has laid down new Ramillies class battleship - 33500 tons
France has laid down the 3rd battlecruiser of Toulouse class - 34000 tons
Russia has laid down the 2nd battleship of Imperator Aleksandr II class - 37200 tons
USA has commmissioned the 2nd battlecruiser of Ticonderoga class - 32700 tons, 28 knots, 12x14" guns, 10" belt armour
September 1917
War diary - the 5th of September 1917
French fleet attack first, raiding near Cape Corse.
Our patrolling light cruiser division (cruisers Torino, Milano, Ravenna) escorted by destroyers Garibaldino, Quintino Sella, Nazario Sauro, Venafro, Liri and Carovilli intercepted French forces consisted of 2 armoured crusiers, 4 light cruisers and 10 destroyers. After 2 hours of fingting against superior French force Italian ships change course to La Spezia and withdraw. All three cruisers were damaged by fire from armoured crusiers and were rescued by fierce torpedo attack by destroyers against enemy force trying to catch damaged cruisers. French forces were able to sink 2 merchants during raid.
Personal log - the 10th of September 1917
It was quite difficult how to react to the first battle which was certainly French victory. All crusiers were able to achieve only 2 hits and received 32 hits of medium caliber. It seems our cruiser design should adapt and our training should be improved. I have spoken with flag officers and request more caution approach in case enemy has superior forces available. Milano will need 1 month in drydock, Torino 2 months.
Lesson learnt: All hits on our Milano class cruisers were done with maximum caliber of 6". Their armour was completely inadequate against 6" guns from distance between 7000 and 10000 yards. All future cruises should be armoured by 3" belt armour against 6" guns, or expected that 2" belt armour can protect ship only from either long range 6" gun fire or destroyers guns.
Personal log - the 13th of September 1917
Cagliari starts refit in La Spezia. I have ordered starting construction of airbase in Napoli.
October 1917
Personal log - the 3rd of October 1917
The first 2 submarines and Quarto light cruiser has been commissioned for duty. They will enhance our capabilities to disrupt French trade.
Personal log - the 10th of October 1917
Relating to previous battle our fleet has finished training of battle turn away maneuvre with success as reported by Augusto. Ansaldo has informed that they have finished better 7" guns. Our factories were able to improved homogenous armour.
Captain kriegsmeister have informed me that our first fighter Caprioni Ca.20 is ready for service. I told him he should focused on his new task, trade warfare against French merchants.
Personal log - the of October 1917 I get intelligence report of whole French Navy has sailed. Augusto is already with his ships at sea.
War diary - the 7th of October
Cruiser battle at Crete
Our cruisers Verona, Marsala and Padua with 6 destroyers were patrolling near Crete and intercepted French force of armoured cruiser with 4 light cruisers. During early stage all our cruisers were damaged and Marsala after 2 hits lost all power. Fierce attacks from our destroyers and remaining 2 cruisers were able to protect Marsala and even achieve torpedo hit on armoured cruiser which decrease speed of French action. After some time power was restored in Marsala and Italian division pray for night. They survived by caution French admiral and change course to port. After 3 days they were welcome back in port with Marsala deep in water and only good weather prevent her sinking. Later intelligence reports that French armoured cruiser did not return. During action we lost one destroyer. During fight Marsala received 18 hits from 6" shells. So we achieve victory but 2 our cruisers will need 1 month of repairs.
Personal log - the 30th of October 1917 I get report that our submarines sunk 8 merchants, Nino Bixio cruiser 4 merchants and we were able to sink 1 submarine. We lost 2 merchants to enemy submarines, 2 merchants by French armoured cruiser in Indian Ocean and 1 submarine.
Personal log - the 31th of October 1917
Royal Navy has laid down the 3rd battlecruiser of Glorious class - 32900 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned 2nd battlecruiser of Tiger class - 30000 tons, 28 knots, 8x16" guns, 9" belt armour
Russia has laid down the 2nd light cruier of Diana class - 6000 tons
Germany has commissioned Ausburg light cruiser - 3400 tons, 31 knots, 4x5" guns, 1" belt armour
Germany has commissioned the 2nd battlecruiser Erfurt class - 31700 tons, 26 knots, 12x15" guns, 8" belt armour
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Post by dorn on Nov 16, 2019 8:59:43 GMT -6
November 1917
Personal log - the 2nd of November 1917
Relating to last 2 months of fighting I order increase gunnery training on all ships as our gunnery skills are terrible. Our airbase at Napoli is finished and the first CANT Z.61 and Caprioni Ca.20 are prepared to take their roles.
War diary - the 4th of November
Battle of Italian Riviera
Our 2 destroyer divisions of 9 destroyers intercepted French destroyer and started to hunt the ship down. However accurate fire of French destroyer hit 3 times our lead ship and sunk her. As hunt continue our destroyers were unable to hit enemy ship but French lone destroyer was able hit our ships. After some time French fleet of light cruiser and 10 destroyers blocked our way back to port and sink another our 2 destroyers. The comming night save Italian destroyers from total defeat. Enemy force sunk on of our corvettes too.
Personal log - the 6th of November 1917
I am starting to be furious on Augusto. Another battle and total failure, our 10 destroyers lost 1 during fight with only 1 enemy destroyer and later against superior force lost another 2. I completely agree with him Quintino Sella even being only 4 years old are really not destroyers suited for gun fire however he had 6 Impavido class destroyers in this battle with superior firepower. Still our destroyers gunnery was completely disaster. I am not satisfied with him at all the Italian gunnery officers seems completely incapable compare to French ones.
Personal log - the 22nd of November 1917
I have been informed that we are able to build large seaplane carriers. But with new base on west cost I am not sure if we need another seaplane carrier, especially with large submarine fleet under construction. I have ordered Francesco Ferruccio battlecruiser to be built at Portsmouth.
Personal log - the 31st of November 1917 We have sunk 4 merchants by sumbarines and 3 merchants by Nino Bixio. Our ASW force were able protect our merchant fleet without losses and sunk 2 French submarines.
Royal Navy has laid down the 2nd Ramillies class battleship - 33500 tons
Germany has laid down Gneisenau class battlecruiser - 35700 tons
France has commissioned Nancy class battlecruiser - 30000 tons, 26 knots, 8x15" guns, 11.5" belt armour
It seems to me that Nancy class battlecruiser have better armament by 1" of caliber for exchange of speed and armour.
December 1917
Personal log - the 5th of December 1917
I get good news that we have developed 15 ft rangefinders. I order to install them on our ships at once. Another technology we can use is extended double bottom and bombs has been installed to our airships. Ansaldo informed me that they have developed 17" guns however their capabilities are worse than British 16" Mk1 guns.
War diary - the 21st of December 1917
Battle of Capo Vaticano Our patrolling fleet of cruisers Torino, Ravenna and Brescia escorted by 6 modern Impavido class destroyers intercepted French fleet of 4 cruisers and 8 destroyers. During early exchange of fire French fire was again much more accurate and after 10 minutes of fire at about 5000 yards they were able to hit Brescia several times slowing her and later sunk her. After Italian destroyers charge for attack one of French cruisers - the small Coetlogon class was slowing down and stop dead in water. After another half of hour of heavy firing and confused battle after the first and lucky hit from Ravenna, French protected cruiser of Pascal class was hit and blew up. Small cruiser Coetlogon was later finished by torpedo from Torino. Later both remaining and damaged cruisers focused on protected cruiser Friant class which remained out of rest of French fleet and were able to hit her several times and torpedoed that cruiser. After that both sides left the battlefield.
Personal log - the 24th of December 1917I have read report of last battle. It is clear that just sheer luck makes this battle our victory not disaster. Without lucky hit from Ravenna blowing their undamaged cruiser our 2 remaining cruiser at that state of damage would have no chance. We sunk 2 protected cruisers and 1 fast scout cruiser loosing 1 merchant and modern Brescia cruiser. She got 18 hits by 6" guns during just 10 minutes. Later our accuracy of fire increased but the start of battle was certainly French. Certainly Milano class seems to be sturdy, both ships get 24 hits from 6" shells and even damage was significant including machinery they were able still continue and were far from sinking conditions. Our 900 tons destroyers proved to be better design than 1100 tons French destroyers having more guns, more torpedo mounts and same speed. Personal log - the 27th of December 1917I have just finished meeting with Augusto, he have resign on his duty due to ilness. I decided to promote Admiral dizzy and give him the most difficult task, lead main Italian forces against French at time when we are loosing one ship after another.
Personal log - the 31th of December 1917
Our submarines sunk 5 merchants, Nino Bixio sunk 5 merchants, Marsala sunk 1 merchant. French raider sunk 2 our merchants. Royal Navy has laid down the 4th battlecruiser of Glorious class - 32900 tons Germany has laid down the 2nd light crusier of Augsburg class - 3400 tons
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Post by captainloggy on Nov 18, 2019 6:10:37 GMT -6
2nd January 1918
Letter from Admiral captainloggy (ret.) to Ammiraglio dornDear Ammiraglio dorn , I would like to congratulate you for your extensive modernization program of the Regia Marina. In taking command of our naval forces in these troublesome times, you have taken on a high responsibility and a high honour, and I am sure that you are apt to the task. However, France is a formidable foe and should under no circumstances be underestimated. They have been beaten before, yes, but not thoroughly defeated. We have inflicted heavy losses on them, yes, but they still had the larger forces. Without the Mosca-class patrol boats, often overseen but vital to the war effort, we wouldn't have had much of a chance to keep the trade lanes open. We also never were able to openly face the main French battleline, but rather had to be content with attacking them piecemeal, using the superior speed of our battlecruisers and fast battleships to single out their weaker elements. The situation has changed since, however it is unclear if that is to our advantage. Amid this, I have some news which will surely not be welcome at this moment. On the Sylvester party hosted by the Rei, Admiral dizzy apparently got into a, say, dispute with Prime Minister Gugliemo Miller. According to several attendants, the whole thing originated in the question whether or not there should be any minefields deployed near to coastal fortifications and if minelaying boats are assigned to batteries according to their size. The argument then seemingly grew heated, culminating with dizzy shouting out, audible throughout the ballroom, for the entire cabinet as well as the commander of the coastal forces to tell him about these subjects. Understandably, Prime Minister Miller wasn't amused, and confronted Admiral dizzy , who answered something I couldn't understand anymore, though judging from the reaction of the other guests and the Prime Minister himself, it must have been quite insulting. Admiral dizzy was sacked immediately and grounded by the PM personally. Processes are running, and it seems the sacked Admiral might be free to go soon. It then would be in your responsibility to decide if he should take his post again or not. For the interim time, feel free to call us retired officers back to serve the country in these dire times. Viva l'Italia! Sincerely and with full respects, At your service, Admiral captainloggy (ret.)
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Post by dorn on Nov 18, 2019 14:22:55 GMT -6
January 1918
Personal log - the 3rd of January 1918
Admiral dizzy! He had cross the line by his behaviour. I spoke with him in jail yesterday and told him that I would do everything to get him out but it should be clear that another such think and he is out. I had long time without much sleep. There is no experience flag office I would have faith to command whole fleet. The only one is Admiral captainloggy, but I am worry about him, he is no longer in his bad condition. Neverthless I finally decide that Admiral captainloggy will lead our fleet against French Navy.
Personal log - the 5th of January 1918
Our cruiser Quarto has finished working up and Cagliari protected cruiser has finished her reconstruction. Our La Spezia shipyard informed me that they are able to design and build 1100 tons destroyers.
War diary - the 10th of January 1918
Battle of Italian Riviera Our 9 destroyers patrolling near Italian Riviera was unable to intercept enemy destroyer division raiding our coast. They were able to sink our 1 old destroyer and 3 trade protection destroyers loosing 1 fleet destroyer.
Personal log -the 31th of January 1918 I have just received report from intelligence about new French destroyers Belier under construction. They have more torpedo tubes than our destroyers are however 1 knot faster and have 1 gun more on broadside.
Our submarines sunk 1 merchant, Nino Bixia 1 merchant, Marsala 4 merchants. French submarines sunk 2 merchants, French armoured cruiser Chanzy sunk 2 merchants.
Russia has laid down the 3rd Diana class light cruiser - 6000 tons
Germany has laid down battleship of Wettin class - 30000 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned the 3rd battlecruiser of Tiger class - 30000 tons, 28 knots, 8x16" guns, 9" belt armour
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Post by dorn on Nov 19, 2019 15:38:38 GMT -6
February 1918
Personal log - the 5th of February 1918
Captain kriegsmeister informed me that they have just developed hydrophones increasing their ability to track enemy submarines. Ansaldo informed me that they have started to develop anti-aicraft guns.
Personal log - the 10th of February 1918
I have been informed that new prototype of Caprioni Ca.73 has been finished and starting test flights.
War diary - the 26th of February 1918Battle of Cape ArgenteriaOur intelligence informed us that French large convoy is heading to Toulon port from North Africa. Admiral captainloggy sail fleet to destroy that convoy. He split his forces to 2 parts. His main force with his flag battleship Taranto and battleships Tantalo and Tulio with scout division of 3 cruisers and escorted by 12 destroyers and scout force of battlecruisers Leonardo da Vinci and Lepanto escorted by 6 destroyers and with 2 cruiser as scouts engaged enemy forces at sunset. The 1st phaseDuring the first stage of battle both Italian battlecruisers engaged 2 French battlecruisers. However French main force of 3 dreadnoughts and 2 pre-dreadnoughts forces Italian battlecruisers to turn around and wait for Italian main force. After that all 5 capital ships engaged 2 French pre-dreadnoughts at end of line. The first phase ended when both French pre-dreadnought were heavily damaged and almost stop dead in water and fires rage on board and Italian battleships close range to convoy and starts firing to convoy using secondary battery. The 2nd phaseDuring the second stage Italian battleline go through the convoy. However one of French destoryers stay hidden after the smoke and commence attack at worst situation. Her torpedoes hits Taranto and Tantalo damaging both battleships heavily. Tantalo were signalling quickly that flooding is under control but Taranto slow down rapidly to 9 knots. Taranto signalled transferring flagship to Tantalo and doing one whole circle. After 20 minutes signal from Taranto shows flooding is under control. The second stage ends with almost whole convoy burning but 2 Italian battleships heavily damaged and battlecruiser division continue hunting enemy battlecruiser force and several hits achieved by destroyers to burning French pre-dreadnoughts. The 3rd phaseBoth battlecruisers using full speed have tried to pursue French battlecruisers. But at same time French main battle fleet turn around and both Italian battlecruisers was under heavy fire. Leonardo da Vinci was hit more than 10 times from short range damaging machinery and later destroying aft turret. Lepanto was hit several times but mainly in superstructure without any significant damage. Both Italians battlecruiser increased range and allow Italian battleship enter this phase of battle. The 4th phaseItalian and French battleships exchanged fire 3 French battleships and 2 battlecruisers were firing at 2 Italian battleships at about 15000 yards as Taranto and 2 Italian battlecruisers cannot sustain high speed and fire from much higher range. At this time Tulio hit Nantes class battleship which blew up. Later both Italian battlecruisers stop firing as were unable to maintain high speed. The faster speed of French ship allows them to disengage north. It was great victory achieved by Admiral captainloggy . Even he was slightly outnumbered he push the attack and was able to get to convoy sinking every merchant, 2 pre-dreadnoughts, 1 dreadnought and destroyer loosing only 1 destroyer in this action. 2 battleships are quite damaged as Leonardo da Vinci has destroyed aft turret and her machinery is in very bad shape but all ships can get back to Bonifacio to make urgent repairs and continue to Taranto to be drydocked.
Personal log - the 28th of February 1918
We were able to sink 3 enemy merchants by submarines, cruiser Cagliari 2 merchants, Nino Bixio 5 merchants and Marsala 2 merchants. Enemy submarines were unable to sink any of our merchants and we were able to sink 2 submarines. French raider Amiral Charner sinks 1 our merchant.
Austria-Hungary has laid down the 4th battlecruiser of Mähren class - 29600 tons, 26 knots, 9x14" guns, 9" belt armour
France has commissioned battlecruiser of Rouen class - 30400 tons, 26 knots, 12x14" guns, 10" belt armour
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Post by captainloggy on Nov 20, 2019 0:36:03 GMT -6
Admiral's log, 26th of February 1918
First entry How I missed the sea! How I missed the feeling of standing on the bridge of a mighty ship ploughing through the waves, the elements around me and the sight of the fleet steaming in perfect formation towards their destiny, may that be just another port or - as today - battle. It truly seems to revitalize me. Today, we sail not to seek glory or gold, like the corsairs of ancience, but to protect our brethren on land. The French have loaded their fresh recruits from the colonies onto any ship available in their harbours to let them die up against our defences in the Alps. What the generals won’t tell the public is that our boy might very well die too, and to prevent anyone from finding out, they told Ammiraglio dorn to prove his words of the might of the navy. He, in turn, ordered me to intercept the offending convoy. Three battleships, two battlecruisers, three light cruisers and twelve destroyers against one of the most heavily protected convoys the French have sent on this route so far. A sense of pride overcomes me as the fleet set out, standing on the bridge of what one may consider my own creation, the battleship Taranto, now heavily modernized after her visit to Britain. A mighty beast of steel with a proper bridge for an admiral: open, with a view, not like those claustrophobic conning towers on the Lepantos and Napolis. I never liked them, how should one lead a fleet stuck in a lump of metal? Well, now I’m leading one again, on a ship of my own design, made by hundreds of dockworkers nobody will remember for their part in the war they fought long before it broke out. Today, these mighty floating mountains of steel set out to meet their equals. Their mighty guns will roar, guns able to smash anything they hit, unless that thing is another lump of steel made for the purpose of not being smashed. The battlecruisers, scouting up ahead, soon spotted such things, mighty shadows in front of the setting sun. It seems we’ve found them…or have they perhaps found us? Second entry It seems the battle is over. I write these words aboard the Tantalo, to which I had transferred my flag after the Taranto ate French fish… perhaps I should rather pick up where I left off in my previous entry. As stated, our battlecruisers sighted the French in the late afternoon and engaged their enemy counterparts. Their reports soon confirmed that we had found the convoy, escorted by not only the two battlecruisers I could see already, but also three further capital ships, of which two turned out to be older battleships, with three of them being the modern Nantes-class, contemporaries to the Tarantos. Our faster units drew their escorts closer, and in seemed that our assistance was needed. I ordered the battlecruisers to continue on their course, while my own division cut across the end of the enemy line heading straight for the convoy. For the first time, I saw with my own eyes the sheer power of these ships, raining down shells on the trailing enemy vessels, wreaking havoc among structures, hull and innards. Nine shells per salvo, two salvoes a minute at this close range, nearly 880 kilograms a shell, in that the doom of old French battlewagons. What had once, in number, prevented us from a total victory in the last war, was now hopelessly outmatched. While our main guns now shifted fire up the enemy line, the smaller guns began to chew into the transports, tearing massive holes into them at every hit. I ordered the line to continue on straight into the convoy in order to get both broadsides to bear on a target, any target, while our main guns bought valuable time before the Nantes-class could interfere. I still wonder if that might have been a mistake, as we did chew up the transports heavily, at the cost of perhaps nearly losing one of our battleships. The reason was a lone French destroyer hiding among the convoy. When Captain connor085 spotted the destroyer amid the fleeing transports, the gun splashes, the smoke from both the burning transports and our guns and the wreckage, it was too late. Two torpedos struck my flagship, with a further passing the bow, narrowly avoided by a quick turn ordered just on time by the captain. The ship shook heavily upon the impacts, the fountains drenching the side of the Taranto while unpicturable amounts of water rushed into the holes torn below the waterline. Damage control teams were sent down immediately with the task of containing the flooding, the machines were ordered to slow, and we signalled a nearby destroyer to come alongside. As I left the bridge, I wished Captain connor085 good luck. I would have stayed and helped, but there still was a battle to be won. As I embarked upon the destroyer, I heard that the Tantalo had been hit as well. Nonetheless, I ordered the transferral to her and received the good news upon entering the bridge: Flooding had been contained, the bulkheads had held strong and we could make better speed again. Meanwhile, the Taranto took her place at the end of the line. By now, the situation had cleared slightly and we picked up word from the battlecruisers up ahead that they needed help, and quickly. I quickly saw the reason: Leonardo da Vinci was heavily mauled, her aft deck an absolute mess, and Lepanto had also taken hits. I ordered the line to reengage the enemy, with the battlecruisers taking up the rear and joining the gun duel. However, both Taranto and Leonardo da Vinci asked to slow down, and the range stayed open fore quite a while, when one of the enemy battleships, the second one in the line, turned into a ball of flames. The shockwave from the explosion followed only an instant later, and after the smoke had cleared, only the bow and the aft mast of the once mighty ship still was visible. The gunners from Tullio had achieved a great hit, like their namesake wiping out the Catiline conspiracy in one single blow. After that, the remaining French ships sailed away, and my fleet was in no position to pursue. Thus we are steaming home now, content of a job well done.
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Post by dorn on Nov 23, 2019 15:47:45 GMT -6
March 1918
Personal log - the 3rd of March 1918 I have just ordered another battlecruiser of Francesco Ferrucio class in UK and confirm request of new floatplane scout with maximum focusing to bomb load.
Personal log - the 10th of March 1918 I have been informed that reduction gear has been invented allowing us increase range of our new designs, Ansoldo has improved shell quality control.
Personal log - the 15th of March 1918 After several months of war I made some conference about our cruiser force. The conference was quite fruitful as it highlight fact that foreign navies are building cruisers which are match for our new modern ones. And that we need think how to build our cruisers even better. There were some ideas, the most interesting ones includes increasing displacement adding forward superimposed turret, make double or triple turrets for our cruisers, increasing caliber on our cruiser to 7" or 8" and sacifices armour using superior range of higher caliber guns. Another idea was increasing speed of such cruisers. From the conference I asked DNC to make some studies of such designs. We have still much less cruisers than foreign nations, 3 cruisers are using as raiders and on trade protection duty outside the Mediterranean area, 1 cruiser in Indian ocean to protect our interests there, so only 1 old Cagliari cruiser, 1 Padua class cruiser and 5 Milano cruisers are used for fleet duty and trade protection duty. As all such cruisers and heavily used for their duty, one or two of them are usually in refit or repairs and 5 cruiser for the whole Mediterranean is not enough cruisers for such duty. The new Project get name Project Futuro.
Personal log - the 20th of March 1918 We have discussion long into night with Admiral captainloggy about future strategy of Regia Marina in this war. All aproaches were considered but finally we decided to put Regina Marina under large stress of action, starting blockading Southern France ports. With such task I have ordered Commodore kriegsmeister to transfer cruisers Nino Bixio, Marsala and Quatro under command of Admiral captainloggy and order him to change orders for submarines to support the blockade.
Personal log - the 31st of March 1918 Our submarines sunk 1 merchant, we lost 3 merchants to submarine and 1 merchant to armoured cruiser Amiral Charner. The commmissioning of Sappho shows me that I should really think about future and new cruiser design.
Russia has laid down new battlecruiser of Arhipelag class - 36500 tons
Germany has laid down the 2nd battlecruiser of Gneisenau class - 35700 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned cruiser Sappho of Brilliant class - 6200 tons, 28 knots, 5x6" guns, 4xTT, 30 mines, 2.5" belt armour
Austria-Hungary has commissioned battleship Arpad of Viribus Unitis class - 23000 tons, 22 knots, 12x12" guns (10x12" broadside), 10.5" belt armour
April 1918
Personal log - the 5th of April 1918 DNC proposed several designs for of Project Futuro. There are several designs with 6", 7" and 8" guns. I think that the larger cruisers are quite expensive as it costs almost half of the Leonardo da Vinci class battlecruiser. I will speak with Admiral captainloggy and other officers to discuss this project. The project was answer of several foreign crusiers that has been already commissioned and other 9 cruisers are under construction by foreign navies.
Personal log - the 8th of April 1918 Our new flying boat Caproni Ca.73 has finished testing flights and production started in Caprioni factory at Taliedo in Milan. Personal log - the 10th of April 1918 Finally I manage to get Admiral dizzy out of jail. I have long speach about him as he wasted all he has. I told him to report on Marco Polo as flag officer of battlecruiser division.
War diary - the 14th of April 1918
Battle of Ile du LevantAdmiral captainloggy prepared plan to bombard army storage and factories near Nice. He sailed with fleet divided into 2 forces: Main force (Admiral captainloggy )Battleships (battle division): Tantalo (F), Trentino, Tulio, Taranto Battlecruiser (scout division): Leone Light cruisers: Ravenna, Torino Destroyers: 6 destroyers of Impavido class Scout force (Admiral dizzy )Battlecruisers (Battlecruiser divison 1): Marco Polo (F), Leonardo da Vinci, Lambardia Battlecruisers (Battlecruiser divison 2): Leopardo, Lepanto, Lenardo Light cruisers (scout division): Verona, Quarto, Padua Destroyers: 5 destroyers of Impavido class, 6 destroyers of Quintino Sella class
the 1st phaseAdmiral captainloggy plan was that main force will sail from La Spezia near coast to be decoy for French fleet, meantime Scout force will sail from Bonifacio from around Nice to be bait. As usual plans work till enemy said something about them. French fleet came from west and 6 French battleships and 1 armoured cruiser start to fight with Scout force of Admiral dizzy at time when Main force of Admiral captainloggy was 27 miles northeast. During this 1st phase of battle, Admiral dizzy used higher speed of his battlecruisers to concentrate fire on the leading divison of 3 battleships of Nantes class and armoured cruiser. During the first phase several ships of French fleet were damaged but no critical damaged has occured. After almost 2 hours main force with Admiral captainloggy was able to open fire. the 2nd phaseThe whole Italian fleet of 4 battleships and 7 battlecruisers (total 12x16", 36x15", 20x14" guns) were firing on French fleet of 6 battleships and 1 armoured cruiser (32x13", 12x12", 12x11" guns). During the second phase Admiral dizzy set sail to coast to destroy bombardment target before sunset but French destroyer was able to make torpedo run and hit battlecruiser Leopardo by torpedo. At same time destroyer Ardento hit mine but was able quickly stop flooding. However her deck was just above water and at that time she was in battle area in almost sinking condition. Cruiser of Pascal class who made torpedo run was quickly made burning wreck by scout force. Scout force was able quickly destroy the bombardment target and one of hit blew up the cruiser of Pascal class. the 3rd phaseFrench fleet starts to return to port of Nice and sunset ends the engagement. Italian battleships were able to sink Massena battleship at port but it is not clear if the damage was fatal or French will be able to refloat her. The battle ended in victory for Regia Marina as target of mission was achieved and fleet was able heavily damaged French capital ships without loosing any ships and only one of battlecruisers were heavily damaged by torpedo. Later intelligence report that French navy was unable to recover Massena and that another cruiser was sunk during battle. Personal log - the 29th of April 1918 Our submarines sunk 2 merchants, Cagliari sunk 1 merchant, Nino Bixio 3 merchants and Marsala 4 merchants. Enemy submarines sunk 1 our merchant, cruiser armoured cruiser Chanzy 3 merchants, we were able to sink 2 French submarines. Personal log - the 30th of April 1918 I get report from intelligence that there is food shortage in France with our success of submarines, cruisers and blockade. Royal Navy has laid down battleship Dreadnought of her class - 34600 tons
France has laid down the 4th battlecruiser of Toulouse class - 34000 tons
Germany has laid down new battlecruiser of Blücher class - 36800 tons
USA has commissioned battleship Ohio of her class - 33300 tons, 21 knots, 10x14" guns, 12.5" belt armour
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