Vitéz Andris Kursietis has been a researcher of military history for over fifty years, using resources that span the globe. His latest book, “La Regia Marina”, tells the story of what could be considered to be the “modern” Italian Navy, covering the period 1900-1946. Included are abbreviated histories of the 404 main vessels (aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines) that made up the Navy during that period, and brief biographies of its 845 flag officers.

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In the summer of 1941, the German attack on the Soviet Union, code-named Operation Barbarossa, began with a surprise attack. Huge armies mobilised for the largest campaign ever.

Stalin’s armies were positioned very west of the German army, which offered the opportunity to encircle them. This could have decided the war at an early stage.

The army group north (Heeresgruppe Nord) also had to attack quickly in depth and destroy the Red Army before the river Düna. It would turn out differently....