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More information:On night of March 25, 1941, there was one of the many intrepid assault of Italian commandoes in British harbours thought as a diversion for the fact of Matapan. Two destroyers Crispi and Sella approached 10 miles the Suda bay and lowered 6 small "Barchini" ( they were tiny speedboats, very fast, full of explosive and driven by one man who had to aim the target ship and jump off the boat at the very last moment; it required of course an enormous amount of courage). These "Barchini" were lead by Tenente di Vascello Luigi Faggioni.
They entered the harbour, where were 4 cruisers and many merchant ships. The result was cruiser York severely damaged (it would be totally destroyed later by German Stukas), one petrol ship damaged. The six braves were captured, and sat free by Germans later.
Here is the information on the Italeri model: It just was released, in Europe, so many shops won't have it yet. I haven't actually seen the model.
ITALERI 5604 - 1/35 M.T.M. BARCHINO SPEEDBOAT
This is a modified 1936 designed tourist speedboat that was built between 1940-1942 and used by the 10th MAS Fleet to deliberately crash explosives into enemy craft at maximum speed. Naturally, the driver jumped overboard about 100 yards or so before impact. This tactic was used successfully against the British Navy in Crete and Malta. Kit includes photo-etched parts, one driver figure, and 36 page photographic reference manual.
Last edited by dretceterini; 08-08-2007 at 07:16 PM.
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