A History of the Regia Marina's MAS Boats from 1915-1945 ============================================= The Regia Marina's MAS boats were a crucial part of Italy's naval forces during World War I and II, playing a significant role in the country's military efforts. This book provides a comprehensive history of these boats, from their development in 1915 to their retirement in 1945, highlighting the technological advancements and challenges faced by the Regia Marina throughout the years. Introduction ------------ The Regia Marina, or Italian Royal Navy, was established in 1861 and quickly grew into a formidable force in the Mediterranean. However, it wasn't until the outbreak of World War I that the navy began to develop its first motorized torpedo boats, known as MAS (Motorizzi Ausiliari di Sardegna) boats. These boats were designed to attack enemy ships and defend Italian waters, and they quickly proved their worth in the early years of the war. Early Years of MAS Boats -------------------- The early MAS boats were small, fast, and highly maneuverable, with a top speed of around 30 knots. They were powered by two or three engines, depending on the model, and were armed with torpedoes and machine guns. The boats were made of wood and had a crew of four to six sailors. The MAS boats were an essential part of the Regia Marina's coastal defense strategy, and they played a crucial role in defending Italy's coastline against enemy attacks.

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