Cape Matapan 1941: Cunningham’s Mediterranean Triumph

The book "The Battle of Matapan: The First Illustrated Study of the Largest and Most Significant Clash between the Royal Navy and the Italian Regia Marina" is a comprehensive account of the pivotal naval battle during World War II. It highlights the use of new technologies, such as radar and carrier-based air strikes, that led to a decisive British victory over the Italian Navy. Despite the significant advantage gained, the Allies failed to capitalize on their success, which is explored in the book.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Battle of Matapan, a historic clash between the Royal Navy and the Italian Regia Marina, is the subject of the first-ever illustrated study. This pivotal battle marked the introduction of groundbreaking technologies that led to a stunning British victory over the Italian Navy. The Allies gained access to Ultra-coded messages sent by the Axis powers, which played a crucial role in their success.radar and carrier-based air strikes were deployed for the first time, resulting in a critical night action that proved decisive in the Mediterranean naval war.

Renowned naval historian Angus Konstam has authored this book, providing a unique and fully illustrated exploration of the battle. It delves into the reasons why, despite the resounding Royal Navy victory, the Allies failed to capitalize on the strategic advantage gained in the months that followed. Battlescene artworks vividly depict the cruiser clashes, Fleet Air Arm attacks on the Italian fleet, and the night action on March 28/29, which resulted in the destruction of Admiral Carlo Cattaneos ships, marking Italy's worst naval defeat.

Detailed maps accompany the text, tracing the progression of the action from the initial Operation Gaudo sweep by Italy's powerful battle fleet towards Crete to the climactic battle itself. This comprehensive account sheds light on the strategies, tactics, and technological advancements that shaped this significant conflict, offering a deeper understanding of the Battle of Matapan and its impact on the course of World War II.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 185 x 248 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472857231