Soldati class Destroyer

The Soldati class were also known as Camicia Nera class (“Blackshirt”) and there were the last and most numerous class of destroyers of the Regia Marina in World War II. Named after military types, they were a derivative of the Oriani class, treaty-free, and delivered in two batches, twelve sin 1938–1939, and seven ships ordered in 1940, with just five completed. As usual, they paid a heavy price, with ten lost in operation, and three survivors transferred to the French Navy as war reparation, two to the Soviet Navy and the last two seeing consistent service with the Marina Militare postwar. Next stop: The Medaglie D’Oro class.

Design of the Soldati class

Development

In 1936, the Regia Marina placed an order for twelve destroyers of a new design, called the “Soldati”, essentially a repeat of the Oriani design, developed from the Maestrale class and going all the way back to the Freccia class of 1932. The armament was still the same, two twin 120 mm/50 calibre guns in fore and aft turrets, and the same torpedo armament, two triple 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. There were a few specifics as well, like the short 120 mm/15 firing star shell, and a most reinforced AA armament of twelve 13.2 mm (0.52 in) machine guns.

Essentially they were identical ships, with a similar powerplant sporting the same two geared steam turbines for 48,000 shaft horsepower (36,000 kW), and single raked funnel, same beam and thus, no better hull ratio albeit a slightly refined hull shape and more efficient machinery anabled a better top speed to 38 knots (70 km/h; 44 mph) with similar oil bunkerage (517t versus 520t), the range was about the same, even if extra AA, better fire control and the extra flare gun were paid by a heavier displacement. Indeed, the Oriani were up to 2400t fully loaded, whereas the Soldati reached 2,450t but with armaments addition in wartime up to 2,550 tonnes, which was significant. The standard displacement was the most impressive change as they progressed from 1,700 to 1,800 tonnes essentially despite similar dimensions.

Having developed a good basic fleet destroyer design with the Maestrale and Oriani classes, 12 of the same type were ordered in 1936 and another 7 in 1949, providing the largest destroyer class ever ordered for the Italian Navy. The first group were laid down in 1937 and completed during 1938-39 and the second were laid down in 1940-41 and completed, except Squadrista and Casta, in 1942. Orders for a second batch of seven destroyers were placed in 1940. All except one of these ships were to carry the five main gun armament of Carabiniere.

As originally designed, they were no more than repeats of the Oriani class, with machinery of the same type but slightly improved efficiency (sea speed 34-35kts), but subsequent alterations to the armament resulted ir a number of variations from the model. In the first group a 120mm 15 star shell gun was mounted on the platform between the TT except in Carabiniere which carried a fifth 120mm/S0. This latter arrangement was adopted in all the second group except Velite which carried the 120mm/15 gun.

Hull and general design

CNR Shipyard plan profile of the Soldati class (reddit) via Airbase.ru Forum.

These ships were generally similar to the preceding Alfredo Oriani-class ships with two twin 120/50 Modello 1936/37 guns capable of 19 km in range, but with a reduced elevation, lower accuracy and rate of fire. The hull featured a high freeboard, very large and heavy bridge and a massive and sophisticated fire control system on top, as well as the typical single, massive, raked funnel. They were overall similar in profile to the modern Maestrale-class units. But both displacement and size were a step above:

The Soldati class indeed displaced 1,820–1,850 long tons (1,850–1,880 t) standard and 2,450–2,550 long tons (2,490–2,590 t) full load, albeit the latter numbers might be higher, even if unimportant. Indeed, in 1936 when this class was planned, Italy just rejected to sign the second London Naval Treaty on naval armaments control after the controversy at the League of Nations over the invasion of Abyssinia. So in theory, Mussolini no longer considered the Regia Marina bound to tonnage limitations, both globally and per unit, which was 1,850 tons standard. Yet, since the Oriani class was taken as a starting point, these new destroyers ended still compliant, at a dozen tons close.

2 views of Camicia Nera, src namuwiki. Note that the freeboard is way too low, but it allows seeing a bit fuller shapes notably forward, with a quite important flare, explaining the extra buoyancy and reduced draught.
In the end, the Soldati class measured 101.6 meters (333 ft 4 in) between perpendiculars and 106.7 meters (350 ft 1 in) overall (same for the Oriani), for a similar beam of 10.15 m (33 ft 4 in) and a slightly reduced draught at 3.15–4.3 m (10 ft 4 in–14 ft 1 in) due to fuller hull forms compared to the Oriani (3.42–4.8 m or 11 ft 3 in – 15 ft 9 in).

Powerplant

The powerful engine plant was essentially a repeat of the Oriani, albeit in between, made more efficient, with two Belluzzo or Parsons type reduction turbines, depending on the yards, and steam was supplied by three Yarrow type water-tube boilers. This power was passed onto two propellers shafts with struts comparable to the Oriani, and developed a total output of 49,000 horsepower or 48,000 shaft HP (36,000 kW), enough to reach a maximum speed of almost 40 knots on trials, but on the same limited range as before. Service speed was not 38 knots as sometimes showed, which was the average trials speed, versus 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph) for the Oriani. The Ist serie was faster, managing a service speed, fully loaded, of 35 knots (64,82 km/h) and the 2nd series with a reduced power plant at 44.000 hp enabling 32 knots (59,26 km/h). So the 1st serie was indeed faster, while the second was not faster but was supposed to have better range. Based on 517t fuel oil, this was estimated to 2 200 nm at 20 knots (4 074 km or 37,04 km/h), or 2,340 nmi (4,330 km; 2,690 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph).

The difference betwene ships as thus:
Alpino, Bersagliere, Carabiniere, Fuciliere, Granatiere, Lanciere, Bombardiere, Mitragliere: 2 sets Beluzzo geared steam turbines, 3 Yarrow boilers
Artigliere, Ascari, Aviere, Camicia Nera, Corazziere, Geniere, Carrista, Corsaro, Legionario, Squadrista, Velite: 2 sets Parsons geared steam turbines, 3 Yarrow boilers

Armament of the Soldati class

The main armament comprised four Ansaldo 120/50 Mod. 1936 and 1937 guns in two twin mounts and a 120/15 howitzer for illumination, placed between the torpedo launchers, which was the greatest change. In theory, it could have been swapped in wartime with a twin mount. Indeed, it was not retained for long, being essentially useless apart in rare night operations, as main guns could also fire flares. On the Carabiniere it was replaced with a fifth single 120mm/50 Mod (for stability). This feature was confirmed on six of the seven second series vessels laid down during the war.

This second series built during the war was indeed more capable armament wise but still restrained by limitations of the Italian shipbuilding industry, so seven of the twelve planned were laid down due to the lack of available slipways, and later delayed when construction of the Capitani Romani-class cruisers received the utmost priority, or the Gabbiano class ASW corvettes. Only five in the end entered service. But like the 1st series the greatest change was the greater anti-aircraft armament compared to the one planned in 1936 for the first series, at the expense of torpedo armament. Just 50 days into the war, it was decided to build five more ships, and in the following months two more, and to avoid wasting time in design preparation, it was decided to build identical ships to the first series, notably for the anti-submarine armament, albeit AA changes were the greatest.
During construction, minor modifications were made based on war experience; with the engine power reduced by approximately 4,000 horsepower, reducing speed by approximately 3 knots, to ensure greater reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Cannone da 120mm/50 OTO Modello 1936/37

Mount: Full mount 21,6t, barrel 5.2 tons, 252 in (6.400 m)
Shell: Separate, 23,15 kg AP, HE 51.8 lbs.
Propellant: 21.4 lbs. (9.7 kg)
Muzzle Velocity: 3,117 fps (950 mps) Later reduced to 3,018 fps (920 mps)
Range: 19,400 m at 40°
Rate of fire: 6-7 rounds per minute
The Soldati Serie I and II classes were provided with probably around 180 rounds per gun, split between AP, HE, incendiary and star shells.
The Series 2 Soldati had the Ansaldo Mod. 1940, a 12t mount with greater elevation at -10°/+45° either in single or twin mount, with Carabiniere of the I serie carrying one amidship.

Fire Control

Since the Freccia and Folgore the Maestrale 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 platform between TT banks. Nighttime firing systems were only installed on some units well into WW2. Also, a San Giorgio kinematic tele-inclinometer 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 Soldati put the emphasis on AA, and discarded the previous 40mm pompom style AA guns for an all-light Breda 13.2 mm machine guns arrangement, initially in six twin mounts on the bridge’s wings and amidship and aft platforms. But it was considered soon too light and soon replaced by 20 mm Breda Guns instead.
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 20 mm/65 AA (0.8 in)

The Breda 20mm/65 was arguably the bast light AA ever designed and built in Italy, fielded in WW2 in many vehicles and wheeled or fixed mounts. Designed by the Società Italiana Ernesto Breda of Brescia, designed in 1932 and adopted by the Italian armed forces in 1935, and heavily used in parallel to the Scotti-Isotta Fraschini 20/70, essentially a copy of the Oerlikon. The Cannone-Mitragliera da 20/65 was however a completely home design, albeit the influence of the Swiss Oerlikon was present in some aspects.

The Soldati class would be the first and last in the Regia Marina to adopt it as sole AA protection, and it was widely employed by the Regia Marina as a deck-mounted anti-aircraft weapon, in that case both in single and twin mountings. It was considered a fairly efficient weapon and shared many elements with the larger Cannone-Mitragliera da 37/54 for its operating systems and therefore also its flaws, with high vibrations and thus, needed strong supporting structure. The two single mountings (Model 1939 and 1940), often sported by corvettes, and MAS partly corrected these issues and had a better sight. Both the single and twin mounts sported an elevation from −10 to +90 degrees.
The Soldati series I had eight of these, likely four twin, and the Series 2 added to these an extra four single, to reach twelve total.

Breda 20 mm/65 AA (0.8 in)

Mass: 330 kg (730 lb), full size 3.34 m (10 ft 11 in), barrel 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Crew: 3–6. Shell: 20×138mmB 20 mm (0.79 in). Gas-operated, at 840 m/s (2,800 ft/s).
Effective range 1,500 m (4,900 ft), max 5.5 km (3.4 mi)
Feed system: 12 round strip, 240 rounds per minute
Telescopic predictor sight.

533 mm Torpedoes

Like previous destroyers, the Soldati 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, at the poop, for the launch of thirty-four 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.
They also had two launchers, trainable mortars projecting 100 kg (220 lbs.), 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 mine laying, all units were equipped with rails, and could carry up to 48 Vickers-Elia mines (760 kg) or 64 Bollo mines (590 kg). It seems during the war they received the option to laid P.200 type or 104 Bollo type, or German antenna mines. The standard Vickers Elia models weighted 1,676 lbs. (760 kg), with 320 lbs. (145 kg) warhead.

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 detrimental to stability and removed in 1942.

Smoke Projectors

To complement protection, all Soldati class 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	1,820–1,850 long tons standard, 2,450–2,550 long tons (2,490–2,590 t) full load
Dimensions	106.7 x 10.15 x 3.15–4.3 m m (350 ft 1 in x 33 ft 4 in x 10 ft 4 in – 14 ft 1 in)
Propulsion	2x shafts Parsons GST, 3x 3-drum boilers, 44,000 hp (33,000 kW)
Speed	35 knots (65 km/h, 40 mph)
Range	2,340 nmi (4,330 km; 2,690 mi) at 14 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	206

Sensors

Legionario was the first equipped with a German-made radar (the De.Te.), becoming the first Italian vessel to be equipped with such an equipment. During the war, the Soldfati class of both series received an echo sounder in addition to classic hydrophones. The Fu.Mo.24 became standard and some received also the the Italian-made EC3/ter “Gufo” in short supply by 1942-43 and possibly also the German “Metox” radar-detector. Bombardiere, Corsaro, Mitragliere had the same German hydrophone, presumably S-Gerät sonar. Legionario received a FuMO 21 radar, hydrophone, and presumably S-Gerät sonar. Velite had the EC.3/ter radar, hydrophone, and also presumably an S-Gerät sonar. Picture: Control panel of the Gufo radar.

Modifications

In 1941-1942, 1st group vessels saw the removal of four twin 13.2mm/76, and four single, replaced by four twin 20mm/65 Breda 1935, two Depht charge Throwers and the S-Gerät sonar for some.
Carabiniere was the only one to have her flare gun replaced by a single 120mm/50 Ansaldo 1940. But later in 1942, Ascari, Camicia Nera, Geniere and Lanciere also saw the removal and replacement of their 120mm/15 flare gun for the same 120mm/50 Ansaldo 1940.
In 1943, Carabiniere, Granatiere, and Legionario saw the removal of the second TT banks for two twin 37mm/54 Breda 1939 AA guns. Fucilirere saw the removal of both the singe flare gun and triple 533mm TT bank for two 37mm/54 Breda 1939 as Velite, and by 1943, survivors were fitted between 4 and 5 extra 20mm/65 Breda 1940 whereas Carabiniere and Fuciliere had the EC3/ter radar installed.

General Evaluation

During 1941-42 Ascari, Nera, Geniere and Lanciere also had a 120mm/50 fitted in place of their 120mm/15. The designed close range AA armament of 13.2mm MG was gradually supplanted by twin and single 20mm AA guns, initially 8 (4×2) and, by 1943, 10 to 12 in number. During 1942-43 Carabiniere, Granatiere, Legonano, Fuciliere and Velite had their after TT replaced by 1 or 2 single 37mm/54 AA; the latter pair also had their 120mm/15 gun replaced by a 37mm/54 AA.
A second director was mounted abaft the funnel in Alpino and on the after superstructure in Carabiniere, Ascari, Aviere and Lanciere; this was removed from all during 1940-41. Initially 2 DC throwers were fitted, but this was later increased to +. Velite and Fuciliere were fitted with Gufo radar and Legionario received a German set.

The class saw extensive war service, proving capable of efficient operation with the fleet and in company with torpedo-boats, and of absorbing substantial damage without loss; their main weakness, as with the majority of prewar destroyers, was inadequate AA defence. Three were lost in air raids, Alpino at La Spezia, Bersagliere at Palermo, and Geniere which sank in Palermo harbour after a bomb had damaged the drydock. Camisa Nera was renamed Artigliere in 1943, was sunk by gunfire and torpedo by the cruisers Ajax and York, whilst Corsaro was sunk by 2 mines and Ascari by 3, both off Bizerta. Aviere and Bombardiere were torpedoed by the submarines Splendid and United off Bizerta and Marettimo respectively. Lanciere capsized in a storm 120nm eat of Malta after the Second Battle of Sirte. Corazziere was scuttled at Genoa 9.9.43 and later refloated by the Germans, but was subsequently lost in an air raid.

Duchaffault (WoW)

Squadrista (renamed Corsaro in July 1943) and Carrista were captured incomplete bv the Germans in September 1943 and renamed TA33 and TA34 respectively, the former was towed to Genoa, where she was lost in an air raid, and the latter, whose bow and stern had previously been cannibalised to repair other ships of the class, was broken up. The majority of the surviving vessels were transferred as war reparations, Artigliere (ex-Nera) and Fucilere going to Russia as Z12 and Z20 (discarded 1958), and Legionario, Mitragliere and Velite to France as “Duchaffault” (discarded 1954), “Jurien La Graviere” (discarded 1956) and “Duperré” (discarded 1961). Carabiniere and Granatiere were retained in Italian service and converted to AS vessels 1953-54.

Carabiniere class in the cold war

The surviving Carabiniere and Granatiere which saw service with the allies in the co-belligerence time from November 1943 to May 1945, remained in service with the Italian Navy, after the change of regime when the country became a Republic in 1946. Both ships were extensively modified and stayed quite long in service. At first they stayed active as they were in 1945. However by 1953-1954, Carabiniere and Granatiere underwent a complete reconstruction. The superstructures were completely rebuilt and modernized, and tyhey retained only a twin 120mm/50 Ansaldo 1936, a sngle 120mm/50 Ansaldo 1940, three twin 40mm/60 Mk 1 Bofors and two single 20mm/65 Breda 1940 AA and a triple 533mm TT, bank, to which were added a 24x 178mm Hedgehog Mk 11 ASWRL, two DCT, and new US electronics, the SPS-5 and SPS-6 radars as well as a more modern sonar. This wa spaid in displacement for a top speed down to 31 kts.
Carabiniere was refitted and modernized again in 1960, with the removal of her Hedgehog for a triple 305mm (12 in) Menon ASWRL, acting as trials ship until decommissioned.

Career of the Soldati class

Alpino (AP) CNR, Ancona, was laid down on 2 May 1937, launched on 18 September 1938 and commissioned on 20 April 1939. Distinguished by her “AP” hull mark, in 1942 she was fitted with an echo sounder and had an increase in anti-aircraft armament with four more 20mm/65 AA guns in two twin mounts in place of the illuminating howitzer on the central deckhouse and two single ones at the stern. On 19 April 1943, while moored in La Spezia during a British air raid she was hit by several incendiary bombs, and fire was difficult to containe, fuelled by leaking diesel fuel after the tanks were pierced by shrapnel. The fire eventually reached her ammunition magazine and she blew up, losing her stern and sinking with most of the crew.

Artigliere (AR) was laid down at O.T.O., Livorno on 15 February 1937, launched on 12 December 1937 and commissioned on 14 November 1938. At the start of the Second World War, she was assigned to the XI Destroyer Squadron of the III Cruiser Division of the II Squadron, serving as squadron leader. She was sunk in the morning following the night battle near Cape Passero that took place on the night of October 11-12, 1940. Drawn to the scene by a clash between the British light cruiser HMS Ajax and three Italian torpedo boats at 2:29 a.m. she attacked Ajax, hitting her with four shells and launching a torpedo, but missed. The cruiser answered by a precise volley of 6-in shells, and put out Artigliere out of action within three minutes. Set on fire and dead in the water with many casualties, including Commander Carlo Margottini and Squadron Adjutant Corrado Del Greco (both later awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor posthumously) she continued to fire until the arrival of other British vessles force to abandon ship, finished off by gunfire from HMS York at 09:15.

Ascari (AI) was laid down on 11 December 1937 at OTO, launched on 31 July 1938 and entered service on 6 May 1939. In 1941 her flare howitzer was replaced with a 5th 120mm/50 Mod. 40 and by 1942 she received two more 20mm/65 Breda AA guns installed in single mounts at the stern and an echo sounder. On 24 March 1943, while together with three other destroyers (Camicia Nera, Leone Pancaldo and Lanzerotto Malocello) she was carried troops to Tunisia, and rescued Malocello after she hit a mine, but herself soon hit one, severing her bow. She continued rescue work until, after drifting on a second mine which blew her stern, she lost all power and sank in the afternoon after breaking in two when hitting a third mine. In all she lost 194, plus hundreds of German soldiers on board.

Aviere (AV) was laid down on 16 January 1937, launched on 19 September 1937 and completed on 31 August 1937. In 1942, her anti-aircraft armament was strengthened with four more 20mm/65 AA guns, including a twin mountreplacing the illuminating howitzer on the central deckhouse and two single mounts aft. She carried out 41 escort missions and 16 enemy search missions, but sank on 17 December 1942, torpedoed by the British submarine HMS Splendid. It happened when she was in escort with her sister ship Camicia Nera, the German merchantman Ankara on the Naples-Bizerte route. Aviere in fact spotted the incoming trail of the torpedo, and her commander acting quickly, shielded the German vessel and, exploded, sank quickly after listing to starboard. It happened about 40 miles north of Bizerte at 11:15 AM. Only 30 men were rescued. commander Ignazio Castrogiovanni gave up his place on the life raft to a wounded sailor and went down with his ship, later awarded the posthumous Gold Medal for Military Valor. Her name had been assigned to a patrol vessel of the Artigliere class.

Bersagliere (BG) was laid down at CNR, Palermo on 21 April 1937, launched on 3 July 1938 and commissioned on 1 April 1939. In 1942, her anti-aircraft armament was upgraded with four additional 20mm/65 AA guns, a twin mount in place of the illuminating howitzer and two single mounts aft like her sisters. She had a remarkable career, taking part in the Battle of Punta Stilo, Battle of Cape Matapan, First and Second Battles of Sirte, and assisted merchantmen or warships in escort damaged by enemy attacks. After 146 missions and 53,700 miles, she met her fate on January 7, 1943, in an allied air raid in the port of Palermo, when docked. In memory of the dozens of young sailors and officers who perished, a plaque with their names and large anchor commemorate the sinking at the pier, which today bears her name, at the same exact spot. Her name was given to a recent patorl ship as well.

Camicia Nera (later Artigliere) (CN/AR) was laid down at O.T.O., Livorno on 21 January 1937, launched on 8 August 1937 and commissioned on 30 June 1938. In 1941, her illuminating howitzer was replaced with a fifth 120mm/50 gun, and in 1942, she received two additional 20mm/65 AA guns in single mounts aft, and an echo sounder.
She was renamed Artigliere on 30 July 1943 after the fall of Fascism, also in honor of her sister ship of the same name, sunk in 1940.
She survived the war, given to the Soviet Navy as war reparations as Lovky (Russian: Ловкий), Black Sea Fleet, and retired in 1960.

Carabiniere (CB) was laid down at CT, Riva Trigoso on 1 February 1937, launched on 23 July 1938 and commissioned on 20 December 1938. She had at completion, unlike her sisters, a 5th 120mm/50 mm gun installed on the central deckhouse in place of the illuminating howitzer. She took part in 159 escort missions for 53,700 miles, taking part in the Battle of Punta Stilo, Battle of Cape Matapan, and First Battle of Sirte. On February 16, 1942, she was hit by a torpedo that blew off her bow. She survived but was towed to Messina, to be patched up enough to be transferred to Naples and Livorno, for repairs lasting until January 6, 1943. During these her anti-aircraft armament was strengthened, with two additional 20/65 mm AA guns in single mounts aft, aft torpedo tubes replaced with two Breda 37mm/54 AA guns and fitted with the EC3/ter “Gufo” radar, later be replaced by a British model in the co-belligerence. She was among the ships that rescued the the battleship Roma hit by German “Fritz-X” glide bombs underway after the November capitulation for internment. Carabiniere transported these wounded men to the Balearic Islands, where both were interned by Spanish Authorities. Postwar, she served in the Marina Militare, modenrized, until decommission on 18 January 1965, a after an almost 30 years long career.

Corazziere (CZ/CR) was laid down at O.T.O., Livorno on 7 October 1937, launched on 22 May 1938 and commissioned on 4 March 1939. The illuminating howitzer was swapped for a fifth 120mm/50 gun in 1941. In 1942, she received two additional 20mm/65 AA guns in single side mounts near the telemetry turret, and an echo sounder. In 1941, she was heavily damaged after a collision with Granatiere, which rammed her. She had her bow replaced, only to loose it again in 1943 in an US raid on the port of Naples. In the spring of 1943, her identifier was CZ. Unable to move at the time of the armistice in November, and to avoid falling into German hands, she was scuttled by her crew on September at Genoa following Armistice but was later raised by the Germans, never repaored and again sunk by an air raid on 4 September 1944. Refloated postwar and scrapped.

Fuciliere (FC) was laid down at CNR, Ancona, on 2 May 1937, launched on 31 July 1938 and completed on 10 January 1939. In 1942, her anti-aircraft armament was upgraded with four additional 20mm/65 AA guns, including two twin 20mm mounts in place of her flare howitzer on the central deckhouse plus two single mounts aft. In 1943, her aft torpedo tubes were replaced with two 37mm/54 AA guns, plus an Italian EC3/ter “Gufo” radar. She rescued survivors of the battleship Roma, and was later interned with the crews in the Baleares. Postwar under the terms of the peace treaty, she was sold to the Soviet Union as war reparations and renamed Liogkii (Лёгкий), in the Black Sea Fleet until her decommissioning in 1960.

Geniere (GE) was laid down at O.T.O., Livorno on 26 August 1937, launched on 27 February 1938 and commissioned on 14 December 1938. In 1941, her flare gun was replaced with a 5th 120mm/50 gun, while in 1942 she received two additional 20mm/65 mm guns in single mounts aft. She was sunk on March 1, 1943, in an USAF bombing raid of the port of Palermo. She was salvaged and transferred to Taranto for scrapping but sank en route. The wreck lays a few miles east of Capo Spulico (CS), under 35 meters, so no navigation hazard.

Granatiere (GN) was laid down at CNR, Palermo on 5 April 1937, launched on 24 April 1938 and commissioned on 1 February 1939. In 1942, her anti-aircraft armament was upgraded with four additional 20mm/65 AA guns, inc. a twin mount instead of her 120mm flare howitzer on the central deckhouse plus two single mounts aft. In 1943, she received a German sonar and the aft torpedo launcher was replaced with two 37mm/54 AA guns. She survived the war, and served in the Marina Militare until her decommissioning and striking on July 1, 1958 after one modernization.

Lanciere (LN) was laid down at CT, Riva Trigoso on 1 February 1937, launched on 18 December 1938 and commissioned on 25 March 1939. On 23 March 1942, while returning to port with the rest of the fleet after the Second Battle of Sirte, she was battered in a stormy sea and tossed until severe stressed were heard from the hull and leaks. At 9:58 her radio launched an SOS and nine minutes later the last message arrived, stating she was sinking. She capsized with almost all hands. The Regia Marina searched for six days of and the hospital ship Arno managed to spot and recovered sixteen survivors, one of whom died shortly after being rescued. Among those dead was the commander, C.F. Costanzo Casana.

Batch 2

Bombardiere was laid down at CNR, Ancona, on 7 October 1940. She was launched on 23 March 1942 and commissioned on 15 July 1942. On January 17, 1943, while escorting a cargo ship from Bizerte to Palermo with Legionario, she was hit by a torpedo from HMS United and sank along with 175 of her 224 crewmen, including Commander Giuseppe Moschini.

Carrista was laid down at O.T.O., Livorno on 11 September 1941 but never launched not completed. She was captured on slipway by the Germans following Italian armistice, given the prospective name TA34 if completed for the Kriegsmarine, but scuttled incomplete and scapped postwar.

Corsaro was laid down at CRT on 23 January 1941. She was launched on 16 November 1941 and commissioned on 16 May 1942. Completed with two twin mounts at the bow and stern and single mount on the central deckhouse plus ten 20mm/65 AA guns in four twin and two 2 single mounts. On 9 January 1943 while approaching the disabled destroyer Maestrale after she struck a mine to rescue her crew, she hit herself two mines and sank, taking with it 187 men oout of the whole crew.

Legionario was laid down 21 October 1940 and launched on 16 April 1941 and CNT Ancona, then completed and commissioned on 1 March 1942. From her entry into service, she received a German Fu.Mo 21/39 (FUnkMess Ortung) radar, known in Italian service as the “DETE” (DEzimeter TElegraphie) radar, used for the first time at the “Battle of Mid-June” (or Pantelleria, Operation harpoon) in which the Legionario escorted the battleships Littorio and Vittorio Veneto.
In 1943, she had her aft TT banls replaced by a twon 37mm/54mm AA guns. After the 1943 Armistice with the allies, she took part in the co-belligerence (photo). Later under the terms of the peace treaty, she was attributed to France in 1948 as war reparations, renamed Duchaffaultt, and used until stricken on 12 June 1954.

Mitragliere was laid down at CNR, Ancona on 7 October 1940, launched on 28 September 1941 and commissioned on 1 February 1942. Like her 2nd serie sisters, she was completed with five 120mm/50 in twin mounts fore and aft, single mount on the central deckhouse, ten twin 20mm/65 mm AA guns, and two single ones. Fabio Inghirami, a postwar textile industrialist mogul “the shirt king” served aboard as an officer. She made a serie of escort missions and was underway at the time of the armistice, rescuing men from Roma sunk by glide bombs underway, and transported the wounded ones to the Baleares where she was interned at Port Mahon, Majorca. Postwar war, under the terms of the peace treaty, she was attributed to France on 8 August 1948 as war reparations, renamed “Jurien de la Graviere” and active until stricken on 12 June 1954.

Squadrista was laid down at O.T.O., Livorno, on 4 September 1941, launched on 12 September 1942. She was captured incomplete by Germany by September 1943. She was later towed to Genoa for completion as TA33, completed and put to Kriegsmarine standard but sunk underway, while undergoing trials at La Spezia on 4 September 1944.

Velite (VL) was laid down at OTO on 19 April 1941, launched on 31 August 1941 and completed on 31 August 1942. She was badly damaged by HMS P228 on 21 November 1942. She was towed to port, was repaired until the armistice, and later she joined the Allies in 1943 for the co-belligerence. Postwar she was transferred to France as Duperré on 24 July 1948 and served until stricken in 1961.

Read More/Src

Books

Brescia, Maurizio (2012). Mussolini’s Navy: A Reference Guide to the Regina Marina 1930–45. NIP.
Campbell, John (1985). Naval Weapons of World War Two. NIP.
Fraccaroli, Aldo (1968). Italian Warships of World War II. Shepperton, UK: Ian Allan.
Roberts, John (1980). “Italy”. In Chesneau, Roger (ed.). Conway’s All the World’s Fighting Ships 1922–1946. New York: Mayflower Books.
Rohwer, Jürgen; Hümmelchen, Gerhard (2005). Chronology of the War at Sea 1939–1945: The Naval History of World War Two (3rd rev. ed.). NIP.
Whitley, M. J. (1988). Destroyers of World War 2: An International Encyclopedia. NIP.

Links

web.archive.org navypedia.org soldati.htm
en.wikipedia.org Soldati-class_destroyer
it.wikipedia.org Classe_Soldati
commons.wikimedia.org/ Soldati_class
trentoincina.it Maestrale
regiamarina.net/
uboat.net/ navy=IT
it.wikipedia.org/ EC3/ter_ Gufo
it.wikipedia.org 120/50 Mod 1926
italie1935-45.com/ maestrale
web.archive.org regiamarinaitaliana.it/
navweaps.com/ 47mm/50 m1926
livescience.com/ sunken-wwii-naval-ship
navsource.narod.ru

Model kits

on scalemates.com/

3D

italiandestroyers.com soldati2.html
wiki.warthunder.com soldati-class_destroyer