The Drydock - Episode 074

The lack of development of a navy-dedicated air force (courtesy of the Regia Aeronautica....) was also one major problem for the Italian Navy.

Thanks Bill. I've (skeptically) read very similar versions. Your words have ended my skepticism. The USN has a terrible history of throwing it's people under the bus. The court-martial of Captain McVay (USS Indianapolis) comes to mind.

Kevin Kennelly

You don't watch Haifuri? Nickboy not happy JK

And, Drach, Sorry I put the qualifier, 'Non French'. The reason was simple- it would make it too easy.

Vintage Car History

Loved your choices in the rogues' gallery of worst looking ships, the monitors in particular! All the best for 2020.

Mark Persad

It's been 30 years so I can at least say something. I was not aboard the Iowa when the turret exploded, but I knew some of the men personally that were killed- they were gunners mates and FC's that I had been to schools with and we kept in touch. First, the official US Navy report saying that it was intentional; and that a homosexual relationship between the gun captain and one of the gun crew was the reason. Bull shit. A month or so before the incident, the battle group was in port in the Philippines. Us 2nd Division folks tended to hang out a a particular dive on Magsaysay; and we were having drinks and just griping about things, and one of the folks at the bar was GMM2 Hartwig- the gun captain of the turret that exploded on the Iowa. He'd had a few, just like we all had, and began to bitch about the powder. During the refit of the Iowa class in the 80's, many of the 16" barrels were replaced. However, the USA had not manufactured a 16" gun since 1944. However, they still had spares- sitting preserved in some warehouse. These barrels were used in the refits where applicable. At the same time, they also still has a huge stockpile of bags of powder for said guns that also dated from the same period. After some 40+ years, the powder; though still volatile, had settled and compacted. Hartzig reported that it was unsuitable for use. But he was ORDERED to, 'break up' the bags and place additional detonators in them to ensure they exploded properly. ...And when, about a month later, they found his body where he would have to have been to place the detonators; the Navy came up with their 'local homosexual conspiracy' so that the brass would not have to admit he was commanded to perform the duty that resulted in the explosion.

Vintage Car History

Italian improvements you suggest radar, however I do feel that ordinance supply and reliability would have been my first choice as a half and then radar. Regards

John Hargreaves