View source for Italian destroyer Aviere (1937)

{{short description|Destroyer of the Regia Marina}}
{{other ships|Italian ship Aviere}}

{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = Cacciatorpediniere Alfredo Oriani, sec. XX - san dl SAN IMG-00001358.jpg
| Ship caption = ''Aviere''
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header = 
| Ship country = [[Kingdom of Italy]]
| Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|Kingdom of Italy|naval}}
| Ship name = ''Aviere''
| Ship namesake = [[Aviator]]
| Ship ordered = 
| Ship awarded = 
| Ship builder = [[Cantiere navale fratelli Orlando#OTO Cantiere di Livorno|O.T.O.]], [[Livorno]]
| Ship original cost = 
| Ship yard number = 
| Ship way number = 
| Ship laid down = 16 January 1937
| Ship launched = 19 September 1937
| Ship sponsor = 
| Ship christened = 
| Ship completed = 31 August 1938
| Ship commissioned = 
| Ship renamed = 
| Ship struck = 
| Ship fate = Torpedoed and sunk by {{HMS|Splendid|P228|6}}, 17 December 1942
| Ship notes = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = (as built)
| Ship class = {{sclass2|Soldati|destroyer}}
| Ship displacement = *{{convert|1820|-|1850|LT|t|lk=on}} ([[Displacement (ship)#Standard displacement|standard]])
*{{convert|2450|-|2550|LT|t}} ([[full load]])
| Ship length = *{{convert|106.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} ([[o/a]])
*{{convert|101.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} ([[Length between perpendiculars|pp]])
| Ship beam = {{convert|10.15|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|3.15|-|4.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship propulsion = 2 shafts; 2 geared [[steam turbine]]s
| Ship power = *3 [[Yarrow boiler]]s
*{{cvt|48000|shp|kW|lk=on}}
| Ship speed = {{convert|34|-|35|kn|lk=in}}
| Ship range = {{convert|2340|nmi|abbr=on|lk=in}} at {{convert|14|kn}}
| Ship complement = 206
| Ship armament = *2 × twin [[120 mm Italian naval gun#50-calibre OTO 1936|{{convert|120|mm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}}]] guns
*1 × [[120 mm Italian naval gun#15-calibre OTO 1933 and 1934|{{convert|120|mm|in|abbr=on}}]] [[star shell]] gun
*8 × [[Breda Model 35|{{cvt|20|mm|1}}]] [[AA gun]]s
*2 × triple {{convert|533|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s
*2 × [[depth charge]] throwers
*48 [[Naval mine|mine]]s
}}
{{Infobox service record
|is_ship=yes
|label=
|partof=Destroyer Division 11
|codes=
|commanders=
|operations=*[[Battle of the Mediterranean]]
* [[Battle of Calabria]]
* [[Battle of Cape Passero (1940)|Battle of Cape Passero]]
* [[First Battle of Sirte]]
* [[Second Battle of Sirte]]
* [[Operation Vigorous]]
* [[Operation Pedestal]]
|victories=
|awards=
}}
|}

'''''Aviere''''' ("Airman") was one of seventeen {{sclass2|Soldati|destroyer}}s, built for the {{lang|it|[[Regia Marina]]}} (Royal Italian Navy) in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

==Design and description==
The Soldati-class destroyers were slightly improved versions of the preceding {{sclass|Oriani|destroyer|4}}.<ref>Brescia, p. 127</ref> They had a [[length between perpendiculars]] of {{convert|101.6|m|ftin|sp=us}}<ref name=g0/> and an [[length overall|overall length]] of {{convert|106.7|m|ftin|sp=us}}. The ships had a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|10.15|m|ftin|sp=us}} and a mean [[draft (hull)|draft]] of {{convert|3.15|m|ftin|sp=us}} and {{convert|4.3|m|ftin|sp=us}} at [[deep load]].<ref name=w9>Whitley, p. 169</ref> The Soldatis displaced {{convert|1830|-|1850|t|LT|sp=us|lk=on}} at normal load, and {{convert|2450|-|2550|t|LT|sp=us}} at deep load.<ref name=b8>Brescia, p. 128</ref> Their wartime complement during was 206 officers and enlisted men.<ref name=g0>Roberts, p. 300</ref>

''Aviere'' was powered by two [[Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Company|Parsons]] geared [[steam turbine]]s, each driving one propeller shaft using steam supplied by three [[Yarrow boiler]]s.<ref name=g0/> Designed for a maximum output of {{convert|48000|shp|lk=on}} and a speed of {{convert|34|-|35|kn|lk=in}} in service, the Soldati-class ships reached speeds of {{convert|39|-|40|kn}} during their [[sea trial]]s while lightly loaded. They carried enough [[fuel oil]] to give them a range of {{convert|2340|nmi|lk=in}} at a speed of {{convert|14|kn}} and {{cvt|682|nmi}} at a speed of {{convert|34|kn}}.<ref name=b8/>

''Aviere''{{'}}s [[main battery]] consisted of four 50-[[caliber (artillery)|caliber]] [[120 mm Italian naval gun#50-calibre OTO 1936|{{convert|120|mm|in|sp=us|adj=on}}]] guns in two twin-[[gun turret]]s, one each fore and aft of the [[superstructure]]. On a platform [[amidships]] was a 15-caliber [[120 mm Italian naval gun#15-calibre OTO 1933 and 1934|120-millimeter]] [[star shell]] gun.<ref name=f8>Fraccaroli, p. 55</ref> [[Anti-aircraft warfare|Anti-aircraft (AA) defense]] for the Soldatis was provided by eight [[Breda Model 35|{{convert|20|mm|1|adj=on|sp=us}} Breda Model 1935]] guns.<ref name=b8/> The ships were equipped with six {{convert|533|mm|in|adj=on|sp=us|0}} [[torpedo tube]]s in two triple mounts amidships. Although they were not provided with a [[sonar]] system for [[anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine work]], they were fitted with a pair of [[depth charge]] throwers. The ships could carry 48 [[naval mine|mines]].<ref name=g0/>

==Construction and career==

''Aviere'', built at the [[Cantiere navale fratelli Orlando|OTO shipyard]] in [[Livorno]], was [[laid down]] on 16 January 1937, [[Ship naming and launching|launched]] on 19 September 1937 and completed on 31 August 1938.<ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo">{{cite web|url=http://conlapelleappesaaunchiodo.blogspot.it/2013/11/aviere.html|title=Aviere|website=conlapelleappesaaunchiodo.blogspot.it|date=13 November 2013 }}</ref>

When Italy entered [[World War II]] on 10 June 1940, ''Aviere'' was part of the 11th Destroyer Division, together with [[sister ship]]s {{ship|Italian destroyer|Artigliere|1937|2}}, {{ship|Italian destroyer|Geniere|1938|2}} and {{ship|Italian destroyer|Camicia Nera||2}}.<ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/> On 11 June ''Aviere'' and her sister ships carried out a [[reconnaissance]] mission in the [[Sicilian Channel]], and on 19 June they carried supplies from [[Augusta, Sicily|Augusta]] to [[Benghazi]], [[Libya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4006-19JUN02.htm|title=English Channel sea battles, June 1940|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>

On 9 July ''Aviere'' and her division participated in the [[Battle of Calabria]]; in the final phase of the battle the 11th Destroyer Division was ordered to attack the [[Mediterranean Fleet]] with [[torpedo]]es and did so (overall, ten torpedoes were launched), but scored no hits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4007-20JUL01.htm|title=Battle of Britain July 1940|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>

On 11–12 October ''Aviere'' participated in the [[Battle of Cape Passero (1940)|Battle of Cape Passero]], where she was seriously damaged by gunfire from {{HMS|Ajax|22|6}}.<ref>Gianni Rocca, ''Fucilate gli ammiragli. La tragedia della Marina italiana nella seconda guerra mondiale'', pp. 48–49</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>  Between March and September 1941 she escorted a number of [[naval convoy|convoys]] with troops and supplies from Italy to [[Libya]]; on 23 September 1941 she took part in a [[minelaying]] operation, escorting sister ships {{ship|Italian destroyer|Lanciere|1938|2}}, {{ship|Italian destroyer|Carabiniere|1938|2}}, {{ship|Italian destroyer|Ascari||2}} and {{ship|Italian destroyer|Corazziere|1938|2}} that laid a [[Naval mine|minefield]] south of [[Malta]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4103-30MAR01.htm|title=Royal Navy, World War 2, March 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4104-31APR02.htm|title=Battle for Greece,Action off Sfax, April 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4105-32MAY01.htm|title=Capture of U.110 and German Enigma, May 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4106-33JUN01.htm|title=Inshore Squadron, Tobruk, June 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4106-33JUN02.htm|title=Attack on HX.133, June 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4108-35AUG01.htm|title=Malta Convoy, Operation "Style", August 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4109-36SEP02.htm|title=Malta Convoy "Halberd", September 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>

On 21 November and 13 December 1941 ''Aviere'' participated in two large [[convoy]] operations between Italy and Libya, which failed due to heavy attacks by aircraft and [[submarine]]s; in both instances, she was detached to escort back to base damaged warships of the heavy cover groups ([[heavy cruiser]] {{ship|Italian cruiser|Trieste||2}}, that had been torpedoed by {{HMS|Utmost}} on 21 November, and [[battleship]] {{ship|Italian battleship|Vittorio Veneto||2}}, torpedoed by {{HMS|Urge}}, on 13 December).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4111-38NOV02.htm|title=KMS Kormoran and HMAS Sydney, KMS Atlantis and HMS Dunedin lost, November 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>  On 16 December ''Aviere'' took part in another large convoy operation to Libya, which was successful, and participated in the [[First Battle of Sirte]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4112-39DEC02.htm|title=Battle of Convoy HG76, loss of HMS Audacity, December1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4112-39DEC01.htm|title=Action off Cape Bon, December 1941|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>

Between January and March 1942 ''Aviere'' participated in the escorts of four more large convoy operations to Libya, "M. 43", "T. 18", "K. 7" and "V. 5", that were successful,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4201-41JAN01.htm|title=Battle of the Atlantic, January 1942|website=www.naval-history.net}}</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/> with the only loss of the transport ''Victoria'', sunk by Fairey Albacore torpedo bombers on 24 January. On 21–22 March she took part in the [[Second Battle of Sirte]], and on 11–12 August she participated in [[Operation Pedestal]], where she towed the damaged heavy cruiser {{ship|Italian cruiser|Bolzano||2}}, torpedoed by {{HMS|Unbroken}}, to the island of [[Panarea]].<ref>Gianni Rocca, ''Fucilate gli ammiragli. La tragedia della Marina italiana nella seconda guerra mondiale'', pp. 233–234</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>

Between September and December 1942 ''Aviere'' carried out a number of escort and transport missions between Italy and North Africa.<ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/>  On 16 December 1942 she sailed from [[Naples]] together with sister ship ''Camicia Nera'', escorting the German freighter ''Ankara'' towards [[Bizerta]]; at 11:15 on the following day, the submarine {{HMS|Splendid|P228|6}} attacked the convoy and torpedoed ''Aviere'', which blew up, broke in two and quickly sank in 38°00' N, 10°05' E. About one hundred of ''Aviere''{{'}}s 250 crew survived the initial sinking, but only 30 could be eventually rescued by the torpedo boats {{ship|Italian torpedo boat|Calliope|1938|2}} and {{ship|Italian torpedo boat|Perseo|1935|2}} on that afternoon, the rest having perished. 220 men were lost, among them the [[commanding officer]] of ''Aviere'' and DesDiv 11, [[Captain (naval rank)|Captain]] Ignazio Castrogiovanni, who was posthumously awarded the [[Gold Medal of Military Valor]].<ref>Gianni Rocca, ''Fucilate gli ammiragli. La tragedia della Marina italiana nella seconda guerra mondiale'', p. 272</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3446.html|title=HMS Splendid (P 228) of the Royal Navy - British Submarine of the S class - Allied Warships of WWII - uboat.net|website=uboat.net}}</ref><ref name="conlapelleapesaaunchiodo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marina.difesa.it/storiacultura/storia/medaglie/Pagine/CastrogiovanniIgnazio.aspx|title=Ignazio Castrogiovanni - Marina Militare|website=www.marina.difesa.it}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book|last=Brescia|first=Maurizio|title=Mussolini's Navy: A Reference Guide to the Regina Marina 1930–45|year=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|isbn=978-1-59114-544-8}}
*{{cite book |last1=Fraccaroli |first1=Aldo |title=Italian Warships of World War II |date=1968 |publisher=Ian Allan |location=Shepperton, UK |isbn=0-7110-0002-6}}
*{{cite book|title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946|editor1-last=Chesneau |editor1-first=Roger |publisher=Mayflower Books|location=New York|year=1980|isbn=0-8317-0303-2 |chapter=Italy |last1=Roberts |first1=John|pages=280–317}}
* {{cite book|last=Rohwer|first=Jürgen|title=Chronology of the War at Sea 1939–1945: The Naval History of World War Two|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|year=2005|edition=Third Revised|isbn=1-59114-119-2|authorlink=Jürgen Rohwer}}
* {{cite book|first=M. J.|last=Whitley|title=Destroyers of World War 2: An International Encyclopedia |year=1988|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|isbn=1-85409-521-8 |authorlink=Michael J. Whitley}}

==External links==
* [https://www.marina.difesa.it/noi-siamo-la-marina/mezzi/mezzi-storici/Pagine/ABCD/aviere%20_00.aspx Aviere (1937)] Marina Militare website

{{Portal bar|Italy|Engineering}}
{{Soldati class destroyer}}
{{December 1942 shipwrecks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aviere}}
[[Category:Soldati-class destroyers]]
[[Category:Ships built in Livorno]]
[[Category:Ships built by OTO Melara]]
[[Category:1937 ships]]
[[Category:World War II destroyers of Italy]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in December 1942]]
[[Category:Ships sunk by British submarines]]