This superbly researched book gives a complete account of the war in the Mediterranean on, above and beneath the sea up until Italy's armistice in September 1943.

Written with full access to Italian sources, it not only provides a detailed and fascinating narrative of the entire naval war, but also sets the individual actions fully in their strategic context for both the Axis and the Allies. Topics include:

• The complex and distrustful relationship between the Italians and their German allies which culminated in open conflict after the Italian armistice in 1943.

• The battle for Malta, and that island's vital strategic role threatening Axis supply lines to North Africa.

• The exploits of the Italian human torpedoes of the X MAS flotilla, which threatened to change the balance of power in the Mediterranean.

This book is essential reading for all those interested in one of the major naval theaters of the Second World War.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• List of Plates
• Introduction and Acknowledgements
• 1 The Drift Towards War
• 2 The Spanish Civil War
• 3 The Final Approach to War
• 4 Opening Rounds
• 5 The Fall of France and the Establishment of Vichy
• 6 The Battle of Punta Stilo, 9 July 1940
• 7 The Battle of Cape Spada, 19 July 1940
• 8 Taranto Night, and the Role of the Aircraft Carrier in the Mediterranean
• 9 The Battle of Cape Spartivento, 28 November 1940
• 10 The Arrival of the X Fliegerkorps, December 1940
• 11 The Battle of Matapan, 28 March 1941
• 12 The Invasion of Crete, May 1941
• 13 Operation ‘Halberd’, September 1941
• 14 The Balance Shifts, December 1941
• 15 The Axis Gain the Upper Hand, Spring 1942
• 16 The Second Battle of the Sirte, 22 March 1942
• 17 C3: The Proposed Invasion of Malta, 1942
• 18 Operation ‘Harpoon’, June 1942
• 19 Operation ‘Pedestal’, August 1942
• 20 Submarine Warfare in the Mediterranean: August-December 1942
• 21 Operation ‘Torch’, November 1942
• 22 The Invasion of Sicily, July 1943
• 23 Operations ‘Avalanche’ and ‘Achse’, September 1943
• 24 Conclusions
• Notes
• Bibliography