Decima Flotilla decimated

Abstract

This action by the Italian 10th MTB Flotilla took place during the dawn of 26th July 1941 when explosive boats attempted entry into Malta's main harbor of Valletta. The Italian Navy had favored warfare by small combat units since WW 1. In 1918 Italian swimmers sank the Austrian battleship Viribus Unitis by use of primitive limpet mines. As WW 2 approached the Italian Navy again created a team for such specialized warfare. On 15th March 1941. to camouflage its true purpose. the group was named the 10th MTB Flotilla -Decima Flottiglia MAS, or X-MAS for short. The Italians had considered an attack upon Valletta harbor since before the war and were encouraged to attempt it after the success achieved by such boats in the attack against the British anchorage at Suda Bay on 26th March 1941, when cruiser York and tanker Pericles were destroyed. Finally. on 26th April 1941, X-MAS was instructed to begin planning such an attack against Valletta harbor.