347 ITALIAN MAS AND MS BOATS 1915-49: Italy's fast coastal forces

1-995347

An illustrated history of the motor torpedo boats of Italy's fast coastal forces, from their raids on enemy battleships in World War I to the dashing campaigns of World War II. Researched from unpublished primary sources, this is the first authoritative book in English to study the MAS boats; their larger MS successors; and their wars in the Adriatic, Mediterranean, and beyond. Explores their evolving technology, roles, and how the boats fought in two world wars. Traces their history from the famous actions of World War I to the troubled search for a very fast MAS boat and their multifaceted roles in World War II, from the Malta convoy battles to the Black Sea naval war. Explores little-known episodes such as their dangerous, clandestine roles post-1943, landing intelligence agents and commandos, and their secret 1945-48 battles against Yugoslavian communist infiltrators. Illustrated throughout with 40 photos and 8 pages of color illustrations.