by Enrico Cernushi.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 80 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: The Fierce Naval Battle With Austria-Hungary
Italy and Austria-Hungary (A-H) were rivals with a variety of older ships squaring off in the Adriatic Sea. When Italy finally declared war in 1915, the two sides mostly used hit and run tactics. Submarine, bombardments, and air attacks are also included.
After an examination of command and ships, year by year highlights of combats dominate the text. The tabular format is especially helpful. Many of the engagements are ripe for tabletop scenarios.
You may have heard of the Flight of the Goeben, but in the Adriatic, it was the Flight of the Helgoland, an A-H “scout” ship escorted by two destroyers trying to get back to port (p38).
One typo: missing period at end of sentence (p33). Also, the map (p57) grid is off when comparing distances using the squares explaining the Strait of Otranto battle (May 15, 1917).
The booklet contains 40 black and white photos, two color maps, three one-page color diagrams of battles, and three color two-page action illustrations.
Besides all the naval matters, you never know what interesting factoids pop up in an Osprey booklet. While the July 1914 assassination and subsequent war declarations are well known, who knew that in March 1914, the German Prince of Wied became King of Albania, only to be overthrown two months later after refusing to become an Italianate protectorate (p10)? How did that happen? And by whom? Albania would be in the flank of Italian seapower and was vied for by both Italy and Austria-Hungary since 1860. Maybe another Osprey booklet in the making?
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
