Italian submarine sinks 17 Allied ships during World War II

Italy entered World War II in June 1940, leading to the deployment of the Leonardo da Vinci submarine from Naples to the BETASOM base in Bordeaux, occupied France. This submarine was notable for its advanced capabilities and played a significant role in the Italian Atlantic submarine flotilla during the war. It completed 11 war patrols primarily in the Atlantic and occasionally extended its operations to the Indian Ocean. The submarine's early missions showcased challenges faced by Italian forces in the harsh Atlantic environment, but its most notable achievements came under the command of Lieutenant Gianfranco Gazzana-Priaroggia. The Leonardo da Vinci gained prominence as one of the most successful non-German submarines of the Atlantic Theater, sinking 17 ships totaling 120,243 gross register tons. This achievement positioned it ahead of many other vessels, including those belonging to Allied nations like the United States and the United Kingdom. Gazzana-Priaroggia’s strategic prowess was underscored by his decision-making in critical moments, exemplified by the sinking of the Empress of Canada, a ship that was granted time to abandon before being torpedoed. This submarine was an instrument of power projection beyond the Mediterranean, and its design allowed it to operate effectively in various theaters, adapting to the demands of warfare at sea. The Leonardo da Vinci's capabilities were enhanced compared to its peers, particularly the Marconi-class submarines, although limited joint operations with German U-Boats demonstrated the challenges faced by Italian naval forces during the war critically. As the war progressed, plans for audacious attacks, including a proposed strike on New York Harbor, were ultimately scrapped, highlighting both the ambition and the limitations of the Regia Marina. Following a mission in the Indian Ocean, the Leonardo da Vinci signaled its return to Bordeaux in May 1943, but the submarine was lost shortly thereafter, marking a substantial blow to Italy’s naval strength. Its legacy persisted through the commissioning of two post-war Sauro-class submarines named in honor of both the vessel and its commander, demonstrating the enduring impact of their service in the Italian Navy.