British Destroyers Sink Italian Submarine Ascianghi

July 23rd, 1943

July 23rd, 1943

British Destroyers Sink Italian Submarine Ascianghi
How Long Ago?

81 years, 7 months, 20 days ago

Location

Mediterranean Sea

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

World War II

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British Destroyers Sink Italian Submarine Ascianghi

British destroyers HMS Eclipse and HMS Laforey sank the Italian submarine Ascianghi in the Mediterranean Sea after the Ascianghi launched a torpedo at the British cruiser HMS Newfoundland. The attack resulted in a fierce naval engagement that showcased the ongoing struggle for naval supremacy during the war. The destroyers engaged the submarine after being alerted to its attack, successfully locating and eliminating the threat posed by the Ascianghi.

HMS Newfoundland was torpedoed before the attack

HMS Eclipse and HMS Laforey were destroyers

Ascianghi was an Italian submarine

The incident highlighted Mediterranean naval risks

What Happened?

On July 23, 1943, amidst the broader conflicts of World War II, British destroyers HMS Eclipse and HMS Laforey were patrolling the Mediterranean Sea when they were engaged by the Italian submarine Ascianghi. Prior to its sinking, the Ascianghi launched a torpedo at the British cruiser HMS Newfoundland, hitting not only its intended target but also raising alarms of an imminent threat to Allied naval operations in the region. This incident underscored the critical nature of Mediterranean naval operations, which were pivotal for supply lines and military engagements in North Africa and southern Europe.

As the torpedo struck HMS Newfoundland, the British destroyers quickly responded to the attack. Utilizing their training, technology, and experience in anti-submarine warfare, HMS Eclipse and HMS Laforey tracked down the Ascianghi. Engaging in a rapid and coordinated attack, the destroyers used depth charges and gunfire to locate and ultimately sink the Italian submarine, neutralizing an immediate threat to Allied ships in the theater.

This engagement marked a significant moment in the ongoing naval battles in the Mediterranean, showcasing the tactical maneuvers employed by both sides. The sinking of Ascianghi was not only a tactical success for the British but also part of the larger strategic contest in controlling the Mediterranean sea lanes. Allied naval superiority was a determining factor in securing overall military objectives in the region during this phase of the war.

Why Does it Matter?

The sinking of the Ascianghi by British forces exemplified the intense naval confrontations of World War II in the Mediterranean. It highlighted the importance of destroyer vessels in anti-submarine warfare and contributed to the overall weakening of Italian naval capabilities. The event reinforced Allied control over Mediterranean sea routes, which were vital for logistics in subsequent campaigns in Europe and North Africa.

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