Oriani class Destroyer (1937)

Regia Marina: 4 Built 1936-37: Alfredo Oriani, Vittorio Alfieri, Giosuè Carducci, Vincenzo Gioberti

The Oriani class were a near-repeat of the previous Maestrale, themselves derived from the Freccia and Folgore. They were the fourth series in this new design inaugurated in 1930, now representing sixteen modern destroyers for the Regia Marina. They formed the basis for the next Soldati class, with incremental improvements, but like the others, paid a heavy price for WW2 operations: Alfredo Oriani was damaged in the Battle of Cape Matapan, attacked the Harpoon convoy in June 1942 and escaped from La Spezia at the Italian Armistice in 1943 to be interned in Malta, and ended postwar in the French Navy as war reparation, naemd “D’Estaing”, until 1954. She was the sole survivor of her class: Vittorio Alfieri was sunk on 28 March 1941 at the Battle of Cape Matapan, like Giosuè Carducci, and Vincenzo Gioberti was torpedoed and sunk on 9 August 1943 by HMS Simoom.

Design of the Oriani class

Development

The last derived design from the 1930 Freccia class were near-copies of the Maestrale class, which themselves derived from the Folgore, which were modified Freccia with their beam reduced to try to regain some speed, and match the speed of the Turbines of 1928. This sacrificed stowage capacity and notably oil, plaguing their radius of action while retaining the poor seaworthiness of the Freccia and needed the same strengthening modifications, notably ballasting, which affected the speed in turn. So the Maestrale class showed a greater great care in calculations, with ew pool trials and a longer, but also well refined hull shape to regain speed and increased beam to remain stable.

The beam was increased, the hull stretched out, the stem and bow chin redesigned. This proved a winning formula on triasl. Even before it was revealed, the RM staff was so confident in this new design, using basically the same machinery layout, while regaining stability and seaworthiness, that the new Oriani class were ordered at O.T.O., Livorno as sister ships of the Maestrale from CT Riva Trigoso.

The Oriani, sometimes called in litterature the Poeti class, were considered improved versions of the Maestrale-class, with increased machinery power and different anti-aircraft armament. But the increase in power was not traduced in the expected speed gain, marginally improved.

The armament saw the greatest change, with obsolete 40 mm/39 pom-pom replaced by extra 13.2 mm (0.52 in) machine guns. This was still unsfficient in 1940 and significant upgrades followed on the pair that survived Matapan, like on the surviving Maestrales: One torpedo tube bank replaced by two 37 mm (1.5 in)/54 guns and new Breda 20 mm (0.79 in) autocannons fitted as well as a 120 mm star-shell gun and extra depth charge throwers installed. Oriani had a German Seetakt radar, the first to be so equipped.

The class leader ship name was dedicated to the poet Alfredo Oriani, whose ideas fascism appropriated, seeking to promote and disseminate his texts through the publication of his complete works, edited in 30 volumes. This work was edited by Benito Mussolini: in fact, fascism, starting with the “Marcia al Cardello,” recognized him as a precursor of its own values (although this recognition is still widely debated in historiographical debate today). The whole class bore the names of famous poets.

Hull and general design

The previous Maestrale class had a larger beam and finer hull entries but remained quite close in general layout and design as the previous Folgore with a significantly longer hull at 101.6 meters (333 ft 4 in) for an overall length of 106.7 meters (350 ft 1 in) versus 96.05 meters (315 ft 1 in). The Oriani class followed that trend, but stayed at the same lenght. As for their beam, the previous Maetrale reached 10.15 meters (33 ft 4 in) compared to 9.2 meters (30 ft 2 in) on earlier classes, the same was adopted for the Oriani. They all had the same mean draft, on average between 3.42–4.8 m (11 ft 3 in – 15 ft 9 in), a buit more than the previous 3.31 meters (10 ft 10 in), 4.3 meters (14 ft 1 in) at deep load of the Maestrale.

The longer hull was also a bit heavier compared to the Masetrale at 1,700 up to 1,750 long tons (1,730–1,780 t) standard and 2,400, up to 2,450 long tons (2,440–2,490 t) full load compared to 1,640 metric tons (1,610 long tons) normal and 2,243 metric tons (2,208 long tons) deep load for the previous Oriani, to compared with 1,238 metric tons (1,218 long tons) standard/2,090 metric tons (2,060 long tons) for the Folgore.

They reached the London Treaty destroyer tonnage limits, so few could be built in the authorized global destroyer tonnage and the construction of modern torpedo boats was authorized and pushed forward at the same time older WW1 destroyers went under the classification as TBs to “escape” tonnage limuts. The Oriani had a large crew than the Maestrale with complement in wartime of 207 officers and men versus 190 on the Maestral and 185 earlier. They were no more roomier however than the previous Maestrale and less popular with the crews. However like the prvious class, they could be manned by as low as 153 men if needed.

As for the general outlook, they looked the same as the Maestrale, with the same “chin” built under the windows of the rounded bridge, to break waves. By that time, the layout was well refined, and they had the same rounded stern, same general proportions, notably same forecastle, and improved seaworthiness. However there were limits they could niot reach as fa as treaties needed to be respected, but Mussolini decided to tear these off, and the next class, the Soldati class, would be a “treaty-free”, albeit still reasonable follow-up design to the Freccia lineage.

Powerplant

Great hopes were placed on a stlightly deeper hull, otherwise identical in beam and lenght, to accomodate a larger pair of boilers. The Maestrale already innovated for their powerplant and instead of two Belluzzo geared steam turbines coupled with three Thornycroft boilers for 44,000 shaft horsepower, they benefited from the latest Parsons geared steam turbines. Improved turbines from the same manufacturer were installed, coupled with better Thornycroft boilers, still three, for some gainst in pressure and temperature and a final output figure that was raised to 48,000 hp (36,000 kW), so a gain of 4,000 hp (3600 Kw), not insignificant indeed.
That power was passed on two shafts and three bladed fixed pitch propellers, mostly unchanged. The new three-drum Thornycroft boilers were stupposed to provided a top speed in excess of 36 knots, instead of the 32–33 knots (59–61 km/h; 37–38 mph) in service of the Maestrale, fully combat loaded. But in reality the gain was quite limited, with a top speed in service of 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph).
To compare, the Masetrale on trials reached 38–39 knots (70–72 km/h; 44–45 mph)
They carried 520 tonnes of fuel oil for a range of 2,600–2,800 nmi (4,800–5,200 km; 3,000–3,200 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph), about the same as before. Other sources states 2,190 nm at 18 knots.

Armament of the Oriani class

The Oriani were armed the same way as the Mastrale, Folgore and Freccia. The core was two twin 120 mm/50 OTO (4.7 in), now modello 1936 guns, on the same mounts, but the two initially planned single 40 mm/39 (1.6 in) Vickers-Terni AA guns (pompoms) were ditched as obsolete. They had initially two twin 13.2 mm/76 (0.52 in) Breda heavy machine guns, more were added in compensation. The two triple 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes were still located at the same place. The class rounded this up by two depth charge throwers, and were fitted to carry 52 mines if needed. The Next Oriani swapped to the OTO 1936 model, which was heavier, 22.44t versus 17.37t but procured a better elevation at 35° versus 33°. Still not yet dual purpose. Each had 150° traverse either side.

Cannone da 120mm/50 OTO Modello 1931

Mount: 5.1 tons (5,552 kg), 252.0 in (6.400 m)
Shell: Separate, 23 kg AP, HE 51.8 lbs. (23.15 kg).
Propellant: 21.4 lbs. (9.7 kg)
Muzzle Velocity: 3,117 fps (950 mps) Later reduced to 3,018 fps (920 mps)
Range: 19,600 m
Rate of fire: 6-7 rounds per minute
The Maestrale class were provided with probably around 180 rounds per gun, split between AP, HE, incendiary and star shells.

Fire Control

Since the Freccia, Folgore, Maestrale, the Oriani turn benefited from the same modern fire control system, inspired by the Navigatori class. Fire direction was optimized for daytime actions, with two three meters (10 in) Officine Galileo/Zeiss stereoscopic rangefinders. One set was on a platform aft of the bridge, with the main tower on the bridge’s roof containing the San Giorgio general aiming system. There was a second Zeiss/San Giorgio rangefinder positioned on the intermediary platfrom between TT banks. Night-time firing systems were only installed on some units well into WW2. Also, a San Giorgio kinematic teleinclinometer was placed under the crow’s nest. This was a considerable improvement over the previous Turbine class, and somewhat compensated by a loss in accuracy.

Breda 13.2 mm/76 AA (0.5 in)

The four Breda 13.2 mm machine guns in two twin mounts on the bridge’s wings.
Specs 13.2 mm Breda HMG:

Specs (Modello 1931)
Gun Weight: 104.5 lbs. (47.5 kg), Bore Length 39.4 in (1 m). 500 rounds per minute cyclic.
Fired 5.4 in (13.7 cm) 0.28 lbs. (0.125 kg) rounds at 2,592 fps (790 mps), effective range: 2,200 yards (2,000 m).

Breda 20mm/65 AA Breda* Modello 39/40

In 1939-1940, all ships lost their four twin 13.2mm/76 HMG and instead were given eight single 20mm/65 Breda 1939/1940 autocannons. This was one of the best weapons Italy produced before and during the war. It was air cooled and gas operated, reliable and fairly efficient, basically a scaled up 13.2 mm (0.52″) M1931, working by gravity with 12 rounds magazines. Another variant the 20 mm/70 wa salso built by Scotti-Isotta Fraschini, placed on a twin RM1939 mounting with similar performance. The mounting was peculiar as the barrels to avoid interference were set apart in a staggered way, one over the other in echelon.
Gun Weight 72 kg, Bore Length 1.3m (51.2 in). 240 rpm cyclic, 120 rpm practical
Fired a 0.705 lbs. (0.32 kg) HE 0.295 lbs. (0.134 kg) with 1.34 oz. (0.038 kg) charge at 2,756 fps (840 mps).
Barrel Life was about 5,000 rounds. Ammunition stowage varied but was around 1,500 rounds per mount.
The 689 lbs. (312.5 kg) M1939 or M1940 mounts elevated to +90 degrees, manual operation. Ceiling was 2,900 m, 2,500 m effective.

20/70 Scotti-Isotta Fraschini 1939*

In 1941-1942, Vincenzo Gioberti and Alfredo Oriani received the two single 37mm/54 Breda seen below, but also two twin 20mm/70 Scotti-Isotta Fraschini 1939.
It was basically a copy of the above, with similar performances and rounds.

Breda 37mm/54 Breda M1939 AA*

In 1941-1942, Vincenzo Gioberti and Alfredo Oriani lost their aft TT bank and one 120m/15 OTO 1933/1934 mount for two twin 37mm/54 Breda 1939. Air-cooled, flat magazine holding six rounds loaded automatically to maintain the rate of fire (60, 90 or 120 rpm) by selecting alternate rates of fire. These mounts required a strong supporting structure. The single Model 1939 was less subjected to vibrations thanks to its equilibrator. Inded the twin mounts suffered from vbrations, impacting accuracy, and the gas-operated action somewhat reduced its rate of fire.
Specs:
Mass: 277 kg (611 lb) (Modello 38 without mounting) for 3.28 m (10 ft 9 in), barrel 1.998 m (6 ft 7 in) (L/54)
Round: Fixed HE QF 37 x 232mm SR 1.25–1.63 kg (2 lb 12 oz – 3 lb 9 oz) 1.5 in
Muzzle velocity 800 m/s (2,600 ft/s), range 4,000 m (4,400 yd), max 7,800 m (8,500 yd).

533 mm Torpedoes

The ships like previous destroyers, were given the same two triple in-line torpedo launchers, 533 mm, San Giorgio type. They were placed in the axis, one between the two funnels and the second behind the aft funnel. The aiming was electrically controlled by the Fire Direction system and its two stations:
-One for daytime launching, located in the crow’s nest
-One for night launching, on the bridge.
They were likely given the 53.3 cm (21″) Si 270/533.4 x 7.2 “M” model. This was a model manufactured in Naples (Silurificio Italiano).
There were no reloads.
Specs:
Weight; 3,748 lbs. (1,700 kg)
Overall Length: 23 ft. 7 in. (7.2 m)
Warhead: 595 lbs. (270 kg)
Range/Speed settings: 4,400 yards (4,000 m)/46 kts, 8,750 yards (8,000 m)/35 kts, 13,100 yards (12,000 m)/29 kts
Powered by Wet-heater. Later versions went to 48/38/30 knots on the same ranges settings.

Ginocchio ASW Torpedo

Underwater Weapons Directorate of La Spezia, table dated September 1931, longitudinal section src
In the original design, the ships carried a Ginocchio “towing torpedo” GP1927/46 T. It was eliminated in 1940. Developed in the 1930s, it was a promising new device. These weapons were used during the First World War by light units such as MAS. It could be towed at variable speeds from 2 to 20 knots, could dive to depths ranging from 17 to 33 m. Depending on the length of the towing cable, maintaining a predetermined immersion, they were ready to explode due to the impact effect or thanks to an electrical ignition circuit.
Modified and improved after the WW2, the modello 46/1927 type GP (great depth) had a 46 kg charge, automatic trigger, and became widespread on torpedo boats and VAS ships. See also.

ASW Grenades

Two racks were there from the start, but two launchers were installed at the stern in 1939-40 for the launch of 50 and 100 kg depth charges. Stocks were later strengthened with more modern charges, some of which were German WB D of 125 kg and WB F of 60 kg as well as 30 kg “intimidatory” bombs, which were a warning charge to force a submarine to surface.
The launchers were trainable mortars used to project 100 kg (220 lbs.) DCs, normally fired at a 45-degree angle.
The standard depth charges while in service were likely the following:
B TG Monc. 50/1927 4 Reg. (1927): 110 lbs. (50 kg) for 20, 40, 70 and 100 m (65, 130, 230 and 330 feet).
B TG Monc. 100/1927 4 Reg. (1927): 220 lbs. (100 kg) for 25, 50, 75 and 100 m (80, 165, 250 and 330 feet).
B TG Monc. 50/1936 (1936): 141 lbs. (64 kg) or 110 lbs. (50 kg), unknown settings.

Mines

For minelaying all units were equipped with rails, and could carry up to 54 Vickers-Elia mines (760 kg) or 56 Bollo mines (590 kg). During the war, seven ships had their rails lengthened to lay 86 mines of the P.200 type or 104 Bollo type, and German antenna mines.
-Vickers Elia (VE) 1,676 lbs. (760 kg), 320 lbs. (145 kg) WH
-Bollo Mines

Paravanes

For protection in 1940, type C paravanes were mounted at the stern of all ships. They were lowered down via their lattice support gear arms, but once in water, they created a strong reduction in agility by the drag they created, reducing their practical use. They were however were detrimental to stability and removed in 1942.

Smoke Projectors

To complement protection, all destroyers were equipped with admiralty type type smoke generators, placed at the base of the funnels, in complement to the diesels located aft on the starboard side. Later in WW2 they were replaced by more efficient chlorohydrin systems.

Profile planned

⚙ specifications as built
Displacement	1,700–1,750 long tons (1,730–1,780 t) standard, 2,400–2,450 long tons (2,440–2,490 t) full load
Dimensions	106.7 x 10.15 x 3.42–4.8m (350 ft 1 in x 33 ft 4 in x 11 ft 3 in – 15 ft 9 in)
Propulsion	2x shafts Parsons GST, 3x 3-drum boilers, 45,000 hp (36,000 kW)
Speed	33 knots (61 km/h, 38 mph)
Range	2,600–2,800 nmi (4,800–5,200 km; 3,000–3,200 mi) at 18 knots
Armament	2×2 120 mm (4.7 in), 2× 40 mm (1.6 in), 4×2 13.2 mm (0.52 in), 2×3 533 mm (21 in), 2 DCT, 52 mines
Crew	207

Sensors

During the war, all these ships could used their basline hydrophones for ASW work, but in 1943 a German Fu.Mo.21, was installed on Oriani alone. Also in 1942-43, Gobieri and Oriani in addition two two more 2 DC thrower, received the more useful German S-Gerät sonar.

Career of the Oriani class

Alfredo Oriani

Alfredo Oriani was built at the OTO shipyard in Livorno, laid down on 28 October 1935, launched on 30 July 1936 and completed on 15 July 1937. She was assigned to the 9th destroyer flotilla with her three sisters. In short: Battle of Cape Matapan (took a 6 inches from HMS Warspite). Attack of the Harpoon convoy on 15 June 1942 (Took hit from HMS Bedouin, sunk the tanker Kentucky, freighter Burdwan). Escaped from La Spezia after the Italian Armistice of Sept. 1943, interned in Malta. Co-Belligerence. 1948 transferred to France, used as D’Estaing until 1954.
More to come in 2026.
Oriani was the sole survivor of her class, a veteran of the Battle of Cape Matapan, and attack on Harpoon convoy in June 1942. She escaped from La Spezia during the Italian Armistice in 1943 and was interned in Malta, then turned into a training ship during the co-belligerence. Postwar she was given as war reparation to the French Navy and was put to standard, refitted, then renamed D’Estaing, remaining in service until 1954. In the Marine Nationale, she was part of the group of four ex-Italian Destroyers obtained the same way, including three ex-Soldati class DDs named Jurien de la Gravière, Duperré, and Duchaffault.
D’Estaing was acquired in the summer of 1948, seeing about 6-10 years of service. This completed a force of ex-German destroyers and large TBs under the new named of Marceau, Kléber, Hoche, Desaix, Alsacien, Lorrain, Dompaire, Bir Hakeim and Baccarat, plus former U-Bootes. They helped reconstitute French Naval Forces gutted after Vichy French defences of North Africa, the Levant, but mostly losses at Toulon in November 1942. This service only lasted until the French Forces were able to received new domestic destroyers, from a rebuilt naval industry. D’Estaing was definitively transferred on 8 August 1948 in “stock” conditions, and refitted. She kept her original armament without changes and her German FuMO 21 radar and S-Gerät sonar. She was decommissioned and stricken in 1954. See photos in French Service.

Vittorio Alfieri

Alfieri was also ordered to O.T.O., Livorno, laid down on 4 April 1935, launched on 20 December 1936 and completed on 1 December 1937. Under command of Lorenzo Daretti she became leader of her unit, the 9th Destroyer Squadron with her sisters. On June 12, 1940, she left Taranto along with the 1st Division (Zara, Fiume, Gorizia) and 8th Division (Duca degli Abruzzi, Garibaldi), DesDiv 16 (Recco, Pessagno, Usodimare) to the Ionian Sea and on 2 July, was in indirect escort of the 1st Division with the cruisers Bande Nere and Colleoni and DesDiv 10 (Maestrale class) for a convoy back from Libya (Esperia, Victoria, 4 TBs) to Naples).
On July 7, she left with the 2nd Naval Squadron and 4 Cruiser Divisions, 4 destroyer squadrons meeting the I Squadron for the Battle of Punta Stilo on July 9. He unit was the first to start a torpedo attack from 13,500 metres but missed. While retreating they were targeted by British cruisers and destroyers, Alfieri took a hit.
On 30 July-1 August she was in indirect escort of 3 Cruiser and 3 destroyer Squadrons escorting two convoys to Libya (10 merchant ships, 4 destroyers, 12 TBs).
On 27 November, she left Naples together with Pola and the 1st Division (Fiume, Gorizia), for the inconclusive Battle of Cape Teulada. Alfieri was one of the first to spot the British at 12:16. In December 1940 she took part in the bombardment of coastal positions in Albania and Greece. On 6 January 1941 she bombarded Greek troops in Porto Palermo.
On March 26, Alfieri departed Taranto under Captain Salvatore Toscano with the 1st Division (Zara, Pola, Fiume), Vittorio Veneto and the 3rd, 8th Cruiser Divisions and 13th, 16th, 12th Destroyer Squadrons initially taking part in Operation Gaudo, leading to the Battle of Cape Matapan.
On March 28, Pola was hit by a Swordfish at the early stage, immobilized. Admiral Angelo Iachino ordered the 1st Division and the 9 Squadron to assist her by a 22.27, when arrived, they were surprised by Barham, Valiant and Warspite, which had radars, opened up both lsearchlights and fire at close range. They obliterated Zara, Fiume, Carducci and later Pola was finished off by British destroyers. Alfieri was 3rd in line in her unit, preceded by Fiume, followed by Gioberti but first as squadron leader in line. She was hit by the secondary battery of the battleships, seriouskt damaged, loosing all power. She still managed to return fire until loosing her 120 mm fwd mount. When ordered to abandon ship, she fired four salvoes (For which the Bronze Medal for Military Valor was awarded to gunner Rocco Rizzi). Survivors still on deck, led by Lieutenant Vito Sansonetti, launched torpedoes against an enemy destroyer but missed. She was reduced to a burning wreck and finished off by the HMS Stuart. A torpedo blew up and she sank at 11.30pm with most of the crew inc. Commander Toscano (posthumous Medaglie D’Oro like for Captain Giorgio Modugno of the Naval Engineers and seven other crew members were awarded). 23 were rescued and taken prisoner, others went adrift on rafts, and they ended killed by cold, hunger, thirst, wounds, and madness. Some were recovered by the the hospital ship Gradisca and reported other shipwrecked sailors. In all, 18 rafts were spotted in succession for 118 men rescued.
Alfieri from 257 men lost 211 died or missing, 23 POWs, 23 rescued by Gradisca. She made 16,710 miles in combat service.

Giosuè Carducci

Giosuè Carducci was laid down at O.T.O., Livorno on 5 February 1936, launched on 28 October 1936 and completed on 1 November 1937. She was assigned to the IX Destroyer Squadron with her sisters and on June 12, 1940, left Taranto with the 1st Division, 7th Division, DesRon 16 to patrol the Ionian Sea. She later protected a convoy returning from Libya to Naples (see above).
On 7 July, she was at sea and took part in the Battle of Punta Stilo on 9 July, launching torpedoes but missing.
On 30 July-1 August, she was in indirect escort to two convoys to Libya. On 27 November she was at sea for what became the inconclusive Battle of Cape Teulada. In December 1940, she bombed coastal positions in Albania and Greece and on 6 Jan 1941, shelled Greek military installations in Porto Palermo. On March 26, she left Taranto under command of Frigate Captain Alberto Ginocchio and the 1st Division plus Vittorio Veneto, 3rd, 8th Cruiser Divisions, and plus DesRon 13, 16, 12 in what became the Battle of Cape Matapan.
After Pola was immobilized on March 28, Iachino order her unit, DesRon 9 to her aid, and they were surprised by Barham, Valiant and Warspite. Carducci was the 3rd unit in line, preceded by Gioberti and followed by Oriani and tried to lay smoke screens which allowed Oriani and Gioberti to retreat and escape. But at 23:45 she was hit and devastated by salvos from the battleships, the captain ordered to abandon ship. She was spotted and close in by HMS Havock, which finished her off with a torpedo. She blew up and sank. Survivors ended stranded on rafts for several days and most died. Commander Ginocchio was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Valor, kept the survivors together, tried to prevent madness and despair all the way. They were ultimately spotted and picked up by Gradisca first 21, and the 14 between 12:38 and 14:06 on 3 April. 169 died or were missing, 35 inc. Commander Ginocchio rescued. In all she crossed 14,856 miles in missions.

Vincenzo Gioberti

Gioberti was laid down in 1936 at OTO, launched on 19 september 1936
and entered service on 27 october 1937. She was in the 9th Destroyer Squadron and took part on June 12, 1940, from Taranto to a patrol the Ionian Sea.
On 2 July, she was in distant escort of a convoy from Libya to Naples. On July 7, she departed to later take part in what became the Battle of Punta Stilo but missed during the torpedo counterattack. On 30 July-1 August, was in indirect escort of 2 convoys to Libya. On 27 November, she departed for what became the Battle of Cape Teulada.
In December 1940 she shelled coastal installations in Albania and Greece, same on 6 January 1941, at Porto Palermo.
On March 26 she departed Taranto under command of Frigate Captain Marco Aurelio Raggio joined other forces for what became the Battle of Cape Matapan. Her unit was sent to assit Pola, immobilized by a torpedo bomber on March 28. By night she was ambushed by Barham, Valiant and Warspite. Gioberti was 4th unit in line, preceded by Alfieri and managed to retreat and escape unscathed with the damaged Oriani, which cost the sacrifice of the Carducci laying smoke.
On 30 April 1941, she was in indirect escort for transports (Birmania, Marburg, Reichenfels, Rialto, and Kybfels) from Augusta and Messina to Libya for the Afrika Korps.
On 3 June, she laid two minefields northeast of Tripoli. On June 25, she sailed from Naples in escort of the troop transports Esperia, Marco Polo, Neptunia, and Oceania via Taranto on the 27th, to Tripoli on the 29th. On 16-18 July, she escorted the troop transports Marco Polo, Neptunia, and Oceania on Taranto-Tripoli, escaping at ambush by HMS Unbeaten.
On 4 August, she left Naples in escort of the Nita, Aquitania, Ernesto, Nirvo, and Castelverde and on August 6, Nita was hit by the 830st Squadron aircrafts and sank.
On August 19, later joined by the X Squadron, she escorted a convoy Naples-Tripoli (Marco Polo, Esperia, Neptunia and Oceania) and escaped another attack by HMS Unbeaten, repelled by Gioberti and Da Noli. Buy HMS Unique torpedoed Esperia. From August 31 to September 2, she escorted the troopships Victoria, Neptunia, and Oceania back to Taranto, escaped an ambush by Upholder.
On 16 September, she left Taranto with the convoy Vulcania for Tripoli. They were ambushed by Upholder, Unbeaten, Upright and Ursula on 18 September, loosing Neptunia and the Oceania. She provided after her hunt assistance to Oceania and recovered men from Neptunia. Later Oceania was finished off by Upholder. Gioberti saved 582 men.
On 24 September with DesRon 13, 14, Vittorio Veneto and Littorio she tried to intercept a British convoy, but failed.
On 2 October, she left Naples in escort of 4 transports (lost Rialto, sunk by 830th Squadron) and Gioberti rescued 145 men.
On 16-19 October she escorted another Naples-Tripoli (5 transports). Beppe was torpedoed on the 18th by HMS Ursula, Caterina by aircraft. On November 19, she was in the convoy “Alpha” (Ankara and Venier) Tripoli-Naples, diverted to Taranto due to British aviation in the Strait of Sicily. In December, she transported gasoline from Patras to Derna with Maestrale.
On December 13 she left Taranto with Duilio, Gorizia, Oriani and Maestrale for Operation M. 41 (three convoys for Benghazi). The were savaged en route by HMS Upright and Urge, which sank Filzi and Del Greco, damaged Littorio, Iseo and Capo Orso. On 16 December she was with Andrea Doria, Giulio Cesare and Littorio, Trento and Gorizia, 8 DDs for Operation M 42, two convoys for Benghazi and Tripoli. The support group took part in the First Battle of Sirte.
On 3 January 1942, she left Naples with Duilio, Garibaldi, Montecuccoli and Attendolo as indirect escort, Operation M.43, three convoys from Messina, Taranto and Brindisi to Tripoli.
From February to May Gioberti was in refit and modernization. On 13 June she left Cagliari as part of DesRon 10 with Ascari, Oriani and Premuda to intercept operation Harpoon convoy (It. “Battle of Mid-June”) but was forced back to port due to engine failure. On 15 August 1942 she escorted the Rosolino Pilo with when savaged by 17 torpedo bombers. Pilo was torpedoed and later finished off by P 44. Gioberti was strafed and bombed but survived with many killed and injured, almost all officers killed inc. frigate captain Gianroberto Burgos di Pomarett. The fires were later put down and she limped to Trapani under command of lieutenant Giulio Ruschi (Medaglie D’Oro). On 19 October 1942, she was par tof a conboy attacked by P 32, P 37, and Unbending sinking the Beppe and DD Giovanni da Verrazzano. Gioberti reported one sunk after seieng saw oil slicks at the surface, never confirmed. On November 4, she departed Naples in escort of several motor vessels for Tripoli. They survived air attacks. On January 10, 1943, in another, she rescued men fropm the troop transport Calino, sunk by a mine off Capri.
After the Italian surrender in Africa in May 1943 she was relocated to La Spezia and was damaged in air raids. In mission towards La Maddalena, she was attacked by HMS Simoom, which missed. She depth charged her. On 9 August 1943, she left La Spezia under command of Frigate Captain Carlo Zampari and the DDs Mitragliere and Carabiniere, plus 7th Division cruisers Garibaldi and Duca d’Aosta for Genoa. They were spotted and attacked off Punta Mesco by HMS Simoom, missing Garibaldi. Gioberti, behind the cruiser, executed a wrong maneuver and was hit by two torpedoes, broke in two and sunk rapidly. The stern blew up, the bow continued for a few dozen meters befire sinking in turn. It happened off Punta Mesco. 171 survivors were recovered by MAS and other units from La Spezia. In all she had performed 216 combat missions over 74,071 miles.
Her wreck was located by engineer Guido Gay on the catamaran Daedalus on December 18, 2015, formally identified on April 7, 2016.