I picked up this little story from "At All Costs" by Sam Moses.

Italians in WWII quite often get a bad rap. There are far too many jokes about their fighting ability. Here is one story that disproves this slander.

In August 1942 the island of Malta is nearly out of food, and possibly more importantly, fuel. If Malta falls the Axis are able to get supplies to North Africa without the risk of Malta on their flank. A convoy of supply ships, headed by the tanker Ohio, called Operation Pedestal, has orders to get through at all costs. Standing in the way, among other forces, are a line of Italian submarines, including the Axum, commanded by Lt. Commander Renato Ferrini. The convoy consists of four light cruisers, 11 destroyers, and over a dozen merchantmen.

Ferrini manages to fire what is possibly one of the most effective spread of torpedoes in the entire war. Fish number one hits the HMS Nigeria, flagship of Admiral Burrough, commander of the escort screen. The ship isn't sunk, but badly damaged and unable to proceed with the convoy. Burrough is forced to transfer his flag to a destroyer, during which time the convoy is in some disorder. Torpedoes numbers two and three then hit HMS Cairo, a light cruiser that has been modified as a specialized AA cruiser. The cruiser is so badly damaged that it is scuttled by friendly fire. These two ships represent the best anti-aircraft protection for the convoy. Finally the last torpedo hits the SS Ohio, the tanker that is the prime reason for the convoy in the first place. The ship is heavily damaged, but able to continue, though the hit is serious.

So with one four torpedo spread Captain Ferrini manages to score a "hat trick", the term for scoring three goals in hockey, sinking or seriously damaging three ships with four fish. If nothing else this shows the bravery and skill of Italian sailors.

Ahoy Rodger,

Very nice story about the very little known Italian sub history.

From my understanding, they had quite a large sub fleet .

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Joe