RN Zara: Did More Than get Blown up at Cape Matapan (Just Barely)

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Күн бұрын

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating tale of the Regia Marina's crown jewel, the heavy cruiser Zara. From its inception amidst the turbulent geopolitical landscape of the 1920s to its tragic demise in the crucible of World War II, Zara's story is one of valor, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of naval supremacy.
Built in the early 1930s as part of Italy's ambitious naval expansion program, Zara was a marvel of engineering and a symbol of Italian maritime power. Commissioned in 1931, this formidable warship quickly rose to prominence as the flagship of the First Cruiser Division, tasked with projecting Italian influence across the Mediterranean.
As tensions simmered in Europe, Zara found itself thrust into the crucible of war. In 1940, it played a pivotal role in the Battle of Calabria, engaging British naval forces in a fierce exchange of gunfire that showcased its formidable armament and skilled crew. Despite sustaining damage, Zara emerged from the battle as a symbol of Italian naval prowess.
But it was in the waters off Cape Matapan that Zara's fate would be sealed. In March 1941, British naval forces intercepted an Italian convoy bound for North Africa, setting the stage for one of the most decisive naval engagements of World War II. Despite valiant efforts to defend the convoy, Zara and her sister ships fell victim to overwhelming British firepower, their fate sealed by superior tactics and technology.
As Zara's hull slipped beneath the waves, it marked the end of an era for the Regia Marina and the dawn of a new chapter in naval warfare. But amidst the wreckage and devastation, the legacy of Zara lived on, a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of its crew.
Today, the story of Zara endures as a reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring spirit of those who serve at sea. Through meticulous research, archival footage, and expert analysis, this KZfaq video offers viewers a rare glimpse into the heart of one of World War II's most storied warships.
Join us as we unravel the mysteries of Zara's past, from its construction in the shipyards of Italy to its final moments on the battlefield. Through firsthand accounts and historical insights, we bring to life the triumphs and tragedies of this legendary vessel, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous world of 20th-century naval warfare.
Don't miss out on this epic tale of heroism, honor, and the untold secrets of one of Italy's finest warships. Subscribe now and embark on a journey through history you won't soon forget!
Intro 0:00
Background 0:26
Interwar Service 7:00
Battle of Calabria 8:00
Before Matapan 13:50
Battle of Cape Matapan 15:18
Sources/Other Reading:
www.amazon.com/Mussolinis-Nav...
www.amazon.com/War-Mediterran...
www.amazon.com/Operation-Pede...
www.amazon.com/Naval-War-Medi...
www.amazon.com/Italian-Battle...
www.amazon.com/Italian-Heavy-...
Battle of Calabria Footage: • Cinegiornale di Guerra...
Video Information:
Copyright fair use notice. All media used in this video is used for the purpose of education under the terms of fair use. All footage and images used belong to their copyright holders, when applicable.

Пікірлер: 40

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching everyone! I hope you enjoyed the video. Let me know what you think about the Zara class!

@Tier_Seven_Siegfried 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for another history lesson

@nathangoshawk 4 ай бұрын

The mention of the high speeds achieved by Italian cruisers reminded me of something I read many years ago. A flight of torpedo carrying, Swordfish biplanes were sent to attack a couple of Italian cruisers but the planes returned having to report that, as the course taken by the cruisers resulted in a strong headwind for the planes, they got away! Good old 'Stringbags'.

@ianwilkinson4602 4 ай бұрын

Imagine what they may have achieved with a tail wind😇

@moosifer3321 4 ай бұрын

Elegant looking class - especially when Illuminated!

@howieb3344 4 ай бұрын

Those are some nice looking ships. Good lines.

@user-bt8vn3dj6o 4 ай бұрын

The Italian Navy had some really good looking ships.

@bigsarge2085 4 ай бұрын

Always learn something, thank you! I've read that the 8-inch main guns of the Zara class were too close together (a design choice meant to save space and therefore weight) so that the two guns per turret could not be fired simultaneously lest the wake of the shells cause both shots to be wildly inaccurate. It hampered gunnery and the RN had to develop alternate salvo techniques to manage accuracy.

@sethmoore3232 4 ай бұрын

As a fellow historian I enjoy the content you post! 😊 keep it coming!

@Leptospirosi 2 ай бұрын

That was a problem on the Trento class. The Zara had different guns and turrets

@bigsarge2085 2 ай бұрын

@@Leptospirosi Dude, go read a little before you make factually untrue statements online, internet etiquette 101! The Trento class, the Zara class, and Bolzano all had 203mm shell dispersion issues as the guns were mounted too close together in all of the 1924, 1927, and 1929 versions (respectively) of the RN's 203mm turrets.

@CliveN-yr1gv 4 ай бұрын

Craigfazekas said it all more eloquently than I could. Excellent documentary. Thank you 👏🏽🙏🏽

@madsaadsa7647 4 ай бұрын

Once again, you've impressed me beyond all expectations. Your Italian pronunciation was definitely better than mine and my mum is Italian. Keep it up, mate!!!😊

@lyedavide 4 ай бұрын

The battle of Cape Matapan was the singular example of what could be achieved by radars. The real tragedy is the appalling loss of life. Then again, this is what happens in war.

@Otokichi786 4 ай бұрын

Note: I associate "RN" with the British Royal Navy. In context, the warship in question is the "RM Zara," of the Royal Italian Navy. (Regia Marina)

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

I would like to dispel this myth. The prefix RN, refers to Regia Nave or Royal ship. The Regia Marina used the prefix RN. Now, that's not to say RM can't be correct. Prefixes are an odd thing! Have a great day :)

@ronjohnson1658 4 ай бұрын

Correct: it should be RM NOT RN !! Please remove that mistake.

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

@@ronjohnson1658 Yeah, no. There are numerous photographers and documents in which the Regia Marina use RN, so I too will use it. If you’d like I can post a photo in the community tab to prove my point.

@mattblom3990 4 ай бұрын

Italian ships are my favourite and heavy cruiser is my favourite class. I played Zara and Gorizia combined more than the rest of my ships in World of Warships. It's such a crazy battle how the Zara class was decimated but they were excellent ships for how they were designed.

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

My hope some day is that I’d be able to hire voice actors and produce a video for Matapan with different accounts on either side. I think that’d be a really cool video!

@warp9p659 4 ай бұрын

That's what happens when you get ambushed by an enemy using radar to stalk you and you have no idea of it. Not a chance.

@mkaustralia7136 4 ай бұрын

Good video

@thomaslinton5765 4 ай бұрын

The Regia Marina (Italian for 'Royal Navy'; pronounced [ˈrɛːdʒa maˈriːna]) (RM) or Royal Italian Navy was the navy of the Kingdom of Italy (Regno d'Italia) from 1861 to 1946.

@HistoryofEverythingChannel 4 ай бұрын

I've always loved Italian and French cruiser design. They always just look so nice. Except the Capitani Romani's. We don't talk about them...

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

Oh come now! The Capitani Romani's were... Interesting to say the least.

@HistoryofEverythingChannel 4 ай бұрын

@ImportantHistory they were certainly "interesting"

@craigfazekas3923 4 ай бұрын

Your segments are very well done. Keep it up !! You have the ability & are clearly forthright about your assertions here. In other words- if you have issue with uncovering truths about ships or warfare ? You say as much. Not glossing over things, or worse ? Making assertions that aren't correct.... You know it's a trap that's to be avoided. I follow several naval historiographers. I rate you 2nd among them. Of one of these ? He clearly has done the homework....but goes off on tangents that are, I think, inherent to his culture. So I don't blame him for it- but, it still is an annoying tendency to try to be "clever". Plus, your speaking voice seems to show an "everyman" kind of quality, but with a firm tone at the same time. So there's that. If looking for suggestions ? Possibly Marine Nationale's carrier BEARN & stalwart mate, seaplane/aircraft tender COMMANDANT TESTE ? Thanks for doing the work & uploading for all of us !! 🚬😎👍

@Strong_UP_Calvins_zombie 4 ай бұрын

This ship kicks ass in World of Warships blitZ

@janwitts2688 4 ай бұрын

We wanted to take one of them as a prize.. border it but unfortunately didn't go further... also our armoured carrier wanted to 'give it some' but was ordered out of line.. else she would have been the first battlestar ..

@alexlupsor5484 4 ай бұрын

What would happen if the navy placed mussel brakes on the ends on the 14”;15”;16” main armament?

@RayyMusik 4 ай бұрын

Basically capable and beautiful ships. I don‘t like that narrow main gun arrangement in one cradle per pair. Do you know if they had a delay trigger to avoid blast interference?

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

I know the guns placed on Trento and Trieste struggled with interference. But, they revised the guns for the Zara class. I believe it helped as Brescia states so in Mussolini’s navy.

@user-xh3lz9xt4l 4 ай бұрын

Dont forget that imperial not metric was used and stillis when it comes to ships

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

When it comes to the mainland European navies I tend to use metric as it tends to attract more European viewers and its a more universally understood system of measure. When it comes to the USN or Royal Navy I will use imperial.

@Tier_Seven_Siegfried 4 ай бұрын

Zara class. Did stuff show herself off and imitated her enemies and gets wrecked by Warspite

@pauloakwood9208 4 ай бұрын

Wouldn't the Regina Marina Zara be abbreviated as RM Zara, not RN Zara?

@ImportantHistory 4 ай бұрын

True, some do use RM when referring to Regia Marina vessels. However, in numerous photos and documents the Regia Marina uses RN, which stands for Regia Nave or royal ship. So, I tend to use that.

@pauloakwood9208 4 ай бұрын

Ok thanks. Makes sense.@@ImportantHistory