RN Gorizia: The Only Zara Class Cruiser That Didn't Explode
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the Italian heavy cruiser Gorizia, a significant vessel of the Regia Marina that played a crucial role during World War II. Built as part of the Zara-class cruisers, Gorizia was a product of the intense naval rivalry between Italy and France in the early 20th century. This rivalry led to the construction of the Trento-class cruisers, which were fast but lightly armored. To counterbalance their deficiencies, the Zara-class, including Gorizia, was designed with better armor and armament.
Gorizia was laid down on March 17, 1930, launched on December 28, 1930, and commissioned into service on December 23, 1931. Constructed at the Odero-Terni-Orlando (OTO) shipyard in Livorno, the ship's armor scheme was superior to previous Italian designs, providing better protection while still maintaining impressive speed and firepower. With eight 203 mm guns, a range of secondary and anti-aircraft guns, and a top speed of 32 knots, Gorizia was a formidable presence on the seas.
The cruiser’s operational history is a testament to its resilience and strategic importance. Gorizia participated in several key naval battles during World War II. Notably, it was part of the Italian fleet at the Battle of Punta Stilo in July 1940, where Italian and British forces clashed inconclusively. The following year, Gorizia played a significant role in the Battle of Cape Matapan, a critical engagement where the Royal Navy dealt a severe blow to the Italian fleet. Despite the heavy losses suffered by the Italians, Gorizia survived the encounter.
In 1942, Gorizia was involved in several operations in the Mediterranean, facing both Allied naval forces and air attacks. The cruiser sustained damage from bombings but managed to avoid complete destruction. The ship's resilience during these encounters highlighted the effective design and robust construction of the Zara-class cruisers. However, by April 1943, Gorizia was severely damaged during an air raid in La Maddalena, rendering it non-operational.
Following the armistice between Italy and the Allies in September 1943, Gorizia was seized by the Germans. Despite plans to scuttle the ship to prevent it from falling into Allied hands, Gorizia remained largely intact until the end of the war. In 1944, the ship was further damaged and eventually abandoned. Post-war, Gorizia was found in a state of disrepair and was ultimately scrapped in 1947.
Join us as we recount the storied history of Gorizia, from its inception during a period of intense naval competition to its active service in World War II and eventual demise. Through this video, we aim to shed light on the technical innovations, strategic deployments, and the indomitable spirit of one of Italy’s most noteworthy warships. Whether you are a naval enthusiast or a history buff, the story of Gorizia offers a fascinating glimpse into naval warfare and the technological advancements of the early 20th century. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more historical deep dives and naval history content!
Intro 0:00
Franco-Italian Rivalry 2:16
Background 4:24
Pre WW2 8:18
Battle of Calabria 10:09
Battle of Cape Spartivento 19:05
Battle of Cape Matapan 22:40
First and Second Battle of Sirte 23:42
Attacking Convoys 27:12
Bombing of La Maddalena 29:51
Conclusion 32:13
Sources/Other Reading:
www.amazon.com/Mussolinis-Nav...
www.amazon.com/War-Mediterran...
www.amazon.com/Operation-Pede...
www.amazon.com/Naval-War-Medi...
www.amazon.com/Italian-Battle...
www.amazon.com/Italian-Heavy-...
Battle of Calabria Footage: • Cinegiornale di Guerra...
Video Information:
Copyright fair use notice. All media used in this video is used for the purpose of education under the terms of fair use. All footage and images used belong to their copyright holders, when applicable.
For transparency, this is a reupload due to some issues with the intro.
I thought I was in the grip of _deja vu._ 😉
2nd time watching, but still enjoying it.
Same for me. It was just as fascinating the second time around.
“…I raise you this photo.”
Oh snap, that was a primary source mic drop moment.
France and Italy facing off post ww1, both decided to concentrate on rebuilding their cruiser and destroyer flotillas, and only when a degree of comfort was achieved in these types did they turn their attention to capital ships.
The French and Italian battleships were therefore, the most modern element within their respective fleets.
The US navy, also surviving on half rations in those '20s and '30s austere conditions took the opposite position - to spend their pennies on battleships and leave the other types to more generous times.
👍👍
It should be noted that the Heavy cruiser class of ship, regardless of nation, were nearly useless in WWII in the age of radio communications and aircraft.
Yeah. All they did was escort carriers, engage in repeated night actions in both the Pacific and the Mediterranean, hunt down surface raiders, raid convoys, escort convoys, and participate in some daylight naval actions. They were freakin useless lol!
@@manilajohn0182 And all that was done FAR cheaper with fewer men via light cruisers. CA's are the best LOOKING ships, but utterly useless by WWII and why they instantly disappeared afterwards.
@@w8stral Your original claim had nothing to do with cost. You said that heavy cruisers were useless, which is inaccurate.
Secondly, the last heavy cruisers weren't decommissioned until the 1970s. Both light and heavy cruisers gradually went the way of the dodo after WW2 because of a lack of any strong opposing navy, because of the primacy of carrier aircraft, the reduced need for guns, and the increasing need for hulls which could mount SAMs.
As far as their respective value in a gunnery duel was concerned- where greater numbers of 6" guns squared off vs. fewer numbers of 8" guns- the advent of modern fire control radars came down on the side of heavy cruisers which had immunity zones vs. the 6" guns. This became moot after WW2 for the reasons stated above.
@@manilajohn0182 Ah, the Technicality dick police is here.... One of those ding bats who pretends useless = black and white. No, CA's did not have any immunity zones vrs Destroyers let alone CL's. One hit near any electronics back then and the electronics died making RADAR ~useless unless completely unopposed and their armor was a joke due to the Treaties. Their ONLY use was shore bombardment. Their entire main reason for existence(independent command and task force leaders) disappeared by the start of WWII due to Radio and Aircraft and only reason they kept building them was bureaucratic inertia. If they were NEVER built, nothing would have changed. = USELESS