Design and description
The Soldati-class destroyers were slightly improved versions of the preceding Oriani class. [1] They had a length between perpendiculars of 101.6 meters (333 ft 4 in) [2] and an overall length of 106.7 meters (350 ft 1 in). The ships had a beam of 10.15 meters (33 ft 4 in) and a mean draft of 3.15 meters (10 ft 4 in) and 4.3 meters (14 ft 1 in) at deep load. [3] The Soldatis displaced 1,830–1,850 metric tons (1,800–1,820 long tons ) at normal load, and 2,450–2,550 metric tons (2,410–2,510 long tons) at deep load. [4] Their wartime complement during was 206 officers and enlisted men. [2]
Carabiniere was powered by two Belluzzo geared steam turbines, each driving one propeller shaft using steam supplied by three Yarrow boilers. [2] Designed for a maximum output of 48,000 shaft horsepower (36,000 kW ) and a speed of 34–35 knots (63–65 km/h; 39–40 mph) in service, the Soldati-class ships reached speeds of 39–40 knots (72–74 km/h; 45–46 mph) during their sea trials while lightly loaded. They carried enough fuel oil to give them a range of 2,340 nautical miles (4,330 km; 2,690 mi) at a speed of 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) and 682 nmi (1,263 km; 785 mi) at a speed of 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph). [4]
Carabiniere's main battery consisted of four 50-caliber 120-millimeter (4.7 in) guns in two twin-gun turrets, one each fore and aft of the superstructure. On a platform amidships was a 15-caliber 120-millimeter star shell gun. [5] Anti-aircraft (AA) defense for the Soldatis was provided by eight 20-millimeter (0.8 in) Breda Model 1935 guns. [4] The ships were equipped with six 533-millimeter (21 in) torpedo tubes in two triple mounts amidships. Although they were not provided with a sonar system for anti-submarine work, they were fitted with a pair of depth charge throwers. The ships could carry 48 mines. [2]
Combat against Japan
As early as of May 1945, the Carabiniere had been prepared and refitted with a new radar and camouflage scheme to operate in the Indian and Pacific Ocean against the Japanese Empire, in collaboration with the Allies, as the 14 July 1945 declaration of war by Italy on Japan was impending. Departing under the command of captain Fabio Tani, after a troublesome voyage the Italian crew reached their new base in Trincomalee. By August 1945, the Carabiniere had undertaken 38 missions of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine escort to British warships and SAR operations. They thoroughly impressed Admiral Arthur Power of the Eastern Fleet during combat and in defending the fleet against kamikaze attacks, and he offered captain Tani a golden watch with 38 rubies, one for each mission, as a prize for their valour. Captain Tani kindly declined and requested that an Italian POW for each ruby be released instead, which was granted by the Admiral. [6]
The Maestrale class were a group of destroyers built for the Regia Marina and served in World War II. They formed the basis for subsequent Italian destroyer designs; the Oriani and Soldati classes.
The Italian destroyer Audace was originally ordered by Japan from Yarrow Shipbuilders in Scotland under the name of Kawakaze, but was transferred to Italy in 1916 while still under construction. She served as the command ship for the radio-controlled target ship San Marco in 1937–1940 and then was rearmed for convoy escort and patrolling duties when World War II began. Audace was captured by the Germans in 1943 and used by them as a minelayer and escort ship in the Adriatic Sea until she was sunk by a pair of British destroyers in late 1944.
Aviere ("Airman") was one of seventeen Soldati-class destroyers, built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Alpino was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in early 1939, she was one of the last of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service.
Artigliere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in 1938, she was one of the last of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service.
Bersagliere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in early 1939, she was one of the last of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service.
Camicia Nera was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in 1938, she was the first ship of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service. In July 1943, due to the fall of the Fascist regime she was renamed Artigliere, a name formerly held by a sister ship that had been sunk 3 years earlier. She was transferred to the Soviet Navy as a war reparation in 1950, renamed Lyogkyy, and expended as a target in 1954.
Corazziere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in mid-1939, she was the last of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service.
Fuciliere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in early 1939, she served in World War II.
Geniere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in 1938, she was one of the first of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service.
Grantiere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in early 1939, she was one of the last of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service.
Lanciere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in early 1939, she was one of the last of the first batch of a dozen ships to enter service.
Bombardiere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in mid-1942, she was part of the second batch of seven ships.
Corsaro was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in mid-1942, she was one of the second batch of seven ships.
Mitragliere was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in early 1942, she was the first ship to be finished of the second batch of seven ships.
Legionario was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in early 1942, she was one of the second batch of seven ships.
Velite was one of nineteen Soldati-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Completed in mid-1942, she was the last of the second batch of seven ships to be finished.
Vittorio Alfieri was one of four Oriani-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the mid-1930s. Completed in 1937, she served in World War II. She was sunk at the battle of Matapan on 28 March 1941 with the loss of 211 of her 246 crew including her commanding officer, Captain Salvatore Toscano.
Vincenzo Gioberti was one of four Oriani-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the mid-1930s and early 1940s. Completed in 1937, she served in World War II.
Grecale was one of four Maestrale-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina in the early 1930s. Completed in 1934, she served in World War II. She survived the war and continued her service with Marina Militare until 1964.
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