Generali-class destroyer

The Generali-class destroyer was a class of Italian destroyers, built as a development of the Rosolino Pilo-class destroyer. They were the last ships of the Regia Marina (Italian Navy), fitted with three stacks. In 1929, being obsolete, the units were reclassified as torpedo boats, and in this role served during Second World War.

Generale Antonio Cantore photographed in 1941 in Kotor following the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia.
Class overview
NameGenerali class
BuildersCantieri navali Odero
Operators
Preceded byRosolino Pilo class
Succeeded byCurtatone class
Planned6
Completed6
Lost6
General characteristics
TypeDestroyer
Displacement
  • 832 tons (normal)
  • 890 tons (full load)
Length73.2 m (240 ft 2 in)
Beam7.3 m (23 ft 11 in)
Draught3 m (9 ft 10 in)
Installed power16,000 hp (12,000 kW)
Propulsion4 boilers and 2 turbines, 2 axes
Speed30 knots (56 km/h)
Range2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) at 14 kn (26 km/h)
Complement105
Armament

Origins

The class was built between 1921 and 1924, ordered from Cantieri navali Odero, Sestri Ponente. The ships were able to reach 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) of top speed, an improvement respect the previous class Rosolino Pilo. Their displacement was 832 tons (normal) and 890 tons (full load). Their armament initially was composed of three 102-millimetre (4 in)/45 calibre guns (an Italian version of the QF 4 inch Mk V) and two 76 mm (3.0 in) L30 guns, and four 450 mm (18 in) torpedo launchers. In 1936 ships were enabled with minesweeping equipment, and the 76 mm guns were replaced by twin cannons Breda Model 35.

Generale Marcello Prestinari - 1923

Units

The class was known also by name of his first unit, Generale Antonio Cantore. All other ships were dedicated to Italian generals. All ships were built by Cantieri navali Odero at Sestri Ponente. None of them survived the war.

ShipLaunchedFate
Generale Antonio Cantore23 April 1921Sunk by a mine off Ras el Tin Libya, 22 August 1942
Generale Antonio Cascino18 March 1922Scuttled 9 September 1943
Generale Antonio Chinotto7 Aug 1921Sunk by mines off Palermo, 28 March 1941
Generale Carlo Montanari4 October 1922Captured by the Germans, scuttled 25 April 1944
Generale Marcello Prestinari4 July 1922Sunk by a mine near Sicily, 31 January 1943
Generale Achille Papa8 December 1921Captured by the Germans, sunk 25 April 1945

References

    Bibliography
    • Fraccaroli, Aldo (1985). "Italy". In Gray, Randal (ed.). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. pp. 252–290. ISBN 978-0-87021-907-8.
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