Roma

Roman Stories

During World War II (1939-1945), the Italian fleet in Mediterranean waters was the main focus of the Allies as it directly influenced operations centered in North Africa and continental Europe. The Royal Navy made several attempts to suppress these forces, including the famous attack on Taranto in November 1940, which cost the Italians one battleship (two others were damaged) as well as other ships. Rome became one of four ships in the pre-war Littorio-class battleships (only three were eventually completed). Originally in second place, the class marks a move by Italy to keep up with potential enemies of France and Britain in the Mediterranean. When it became clear that the original pair might not be enough, an additional pair of ships based on the Littorio standard was added.

However, this gap allows for some refinements to Roma and her sister Impero before it is put into service.

Rome ordered in 1937, built by Cantieri Riuniti dell-Adriatico. Her keel was laid on September 18, 1938, and she was commissioned on June 14, 1942 - at a time when Italy was fully involved in World War II.

When completed, the Roma displaces 45,500 tonnes fully loaded. She is 790 feet long, 108 feet wide, and has a draft of 31 feet. Electricity is powered by 8 Yarrow boilers powered by 4 steam turbines of 128,000 hp. With 1,920 personnel on board, the warship carries three seaplanes (launched from a single catapult) for over-the-horizon work and artillery reconnaissance.

Armor protection ranges from 14 inches on the main belt to 10 inches on the conning tower.

Her armament consisted of a 15" (381 mm)/50 caliber main gun mounted in three three-armed turrets, two at the front and one at the rear. Secondary armament consists of 6" (152 mm) main gun and four three-armed turrets Behind the turret are 4 .7" (120 mm) guns, four single gun turrets.

12 x 90 mm anti-aircraft guns (AA) and 10 x 20 mm anti-aircraft gun.

Although Rome entered service in June 1942, there was little she could do as Italy faced resource constraints, which prompted Rome to act as a powerful floating anti-aircraft platform denying airspace over strategic areas. The Allied bombing of La Spezia in June 1943 caused extensive damage to the warship, but she did not sink.

When Italy surrendered in September 1943, Rome and a detachment of the Italian Navy set off for Malta, where the internment would take place. On the way and in the Strait of Bonifacio (between Corsica and Sardinia), they and the fleet were attacked by German bombers (using radio-controlled "Fritz-X" bombs).

Roman took damage and moved on, but was eventually destroyed by additional bombs, one of which penetrated her deck and detonated the ammunition zone ahead, causing catastrophic damage. She went down completely with some 1,393 crew members.

Her sisters Littorio and Vittorio Veneto arrived safely in Malta, where they were successfully detained.

The remains of the Romans were only discovered in June 2012.

Roman canon

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Dimensions

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Performance

Armor

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