Italian Battleship Duilio
The Italian battleship Duilio was one of two vessels of the Andrea Doria class, constructed for the Regia Marina during the First World War. Laid down in 1912 at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard and commissioned in 1915, Duilio represented Italy’s effort to field modern dreadnought battleships capable of contesting control of the Mediterranean. Although completed during wartime, she saw no direct combat in the First World War, as the conflict at sea remained largely constrained by cautious fleet strategies on both sides.
In her original configuration, Duilio displaced about 24,700 tonnes and was armed with thirteen 305 mm guns mounted in five turrets. Her protection and propulsion reflected pre war design priorities, with moderate armour and steam turbines giving a maximum speed of roughly 21 knots. Like many contemporary battleships, she quickly became obsolescent in the interwar period as naval technology advanced and treaty limitations shaped fleet development.
Between 1937 and 1940, Duilio underwent an extensive reconstruction that transformed her capabilities. The rebuild involved lengthening the hull, replacing the propulsion system with more powerful machinery, and improving underwater protection. Her main armament was reduced to ten 320 mm guns, which offered improved range and penetration, while her secondary and anti aircraft batteries were modernised to address the growing threat from aircraft. As a result, her speed increased to about 26 knots, allowing her to operate more effectively alongside newer Italian capital ships.
During the Second World War, Duilio served as part of the Italian battle fleet in the Mediterranean. In November 1940, she was present at Taranto when British carrier aircraft launched a surprise night attack on the Italian fleet. Duilio was struck by a torpedo that caused significant flooding, forcing her to be beached to prevent sinking. Repairs took several months, after which she returned to service in 1941. Despite her presence in several major fleet deployments, fuel shortages, strategic caution, and Allied air and naval superiority limited opportunities for decisive surface engagements.
Following the Italian armistice in September 1943, Duilio sailed with other surviving battleships to Malta, where they were interned. After the war, she was retained briefly by the Italian Navy but saw no further active service. Decommissioned in 1953 and scrapped soon after.
