"First time unlucky – the loss of Iride 22 August 1940" Topic

"As we are getting closer to the date of the most successful commando raid in World War 2, the attack by the Regia Marina's Xa MAS Flotilla on Alexandria harbour, a short reminder that this was not the first time the Italian navy tried to attack Alexandria harbour. An earlier attempt had been made in August 1940 by the 1a MAS Flotilla, shortly after Italy's entry into the war. It was prevented by the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm, in an attack similar to that undertaken on Taranto in November 1940.

The attempt in 1940 was named Operation GA.1. The submarine to deliver the Maiale (pig) human torpedoes to Alexandria was Perla-class boat Iride, a relatively modern 600-ton boat designed for the Mediterranean. She had just finished conversion, and was being prepared for her mission in the Gulf of Bomba, near Ain-el-Gazala on the Libyan coast, west of Tobruk. Two other vessels, the auxiliary minelayer Monte Gargano and the Spica-class Torpedo Boat Calipso were present as well. Calipso had brought the Maiale and Monte Gargano was to act as store ship for the mission…"
From here
link

Amicalement
Armand

Interesting article.

Glad you enjoyed it my good friend! (smile)

Amicalement
Armand