Battle of Durazzo (1918)

Second Battle of Durazzo

Part of World War I, Battle of the Mediterranean, Battle of the Adriatic

The Italian dreadnought battleship Dante Alighieri.

Date	2 October 1918
Location	Durazzo, Albania, Adriatic Sea
Result	Allied victory Durazzo evacuated by Austro-Hungarian forces

Belligerents

Allies:

Australia

Commanders and leaders

Osvaldo Paladini

Charles P. Nelson

Heinrich Pauer

Strength

: 1 battleship
3 armoured cruisers
3 light cruisers
7 destroyers
8 torpedo boats
unknown MAS boats
unknown aircraft

: 5 light cruisers
14 destroyers

: 12 submarine chasers

: 2 destroyers

Land:
~3 shore batteries
Sea:
2 destroyers
1 torpedo boat
2 submarines
1 hospital ship

Casualties and losses

5 light cruisers damaged
1 destroyer damaged
Unknown casualties

1 steamer sunk
2 destroyers damaged
1 torpedo boat damaged
2 submarines damaged
2 steamers damaged
~3 shore batteries destroyed
Unknown casualties

Civilian casualties

Coordinates: 41°18′5″N 19°21′48″E / 41.30139°N 19.36333°E / 41.30139; 19.36333

1 steamer sunk
2 destroyers damaged
1 torpedo boat damaged
2 submarines damaged
2 steamers damaged
~3 shore batteries destroyed
Unknown casualties

The Second Battle of Durazzo, or the Bombardment of Durazzo was a naval battle fought in the Adriatic Sea during the First World War. A large allied fleet led by the Regia Marina attacked the enemy held port at Durazzo, Albania. The fleet destroyed the Austro-Hungarian shore defenses and skirmished with a small naval force. Allied forces involved primarily were Italian though British, American and Australian warships also participated. It was the largest naval battle the United States participated in during the war. Most of the city was destroyed in the bombardment.

From 15–29 September 1918, French General Louis Franchet d'Espèrey in command of a large allied army, campaigned in Macedonia. The offensive was a victory and ended with Bulgaria's surrender. Fearing the remaining enemies would fall back on the Austrian-held port of Durazzo for supplies, Franchet d'Espèrey requested that an allied naval fleet be assembled to attack Durazzo and thus prevent the city from supplying retreating enemy forces. Franchet d'Espèrey's request was approved and the Italian Regia Marina accepted the responsibility of leading the attack. Rear Admiral Osvaldo Paladini aboard the cruiser San Marco was to command the operation.

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