Chapter 39: The Battle of Lissa
On July 20 in the Adriatic Sea, Lissa Island, an Austrian naval base, became the focal point of a decisive battle between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian navies during the Austro-Italian War.
Italy, eager to find a way to break through Austria's defenses, decided to target Austria's navy as their land-based assaults faced significant challenges due to unfavorable terrain. The Italian Navy, recognized as one of the world's strongest, possessed 12 ironclad ships, including newer vessels like the "Italy," "Di Portogaro," and the turret-equipped battleship "Leader." In comparison, the Austro-Hungarian Navy had only 7 ironclad ships, with the rest being wooden-hulled warships.
Admiral C. C. Persano, leading the Italian Navy, chose to attack the Austrian naval base on Lissa Island directly with a squadron of 11 armored ships, 5 cruisers, and 3 gunboats. The assault, however, encountered fierce resistance from the well-fortified island, including 88 artillery pieces and nearly 3,000 defenders.
The Italian offensive was hampered by a lack of information about the Austrian defenses, and the Austro-Hungarian forces proved resilient. The Italian ironclad "Mighty" was damaged during these initial engagements.
As the Italian fleet prepared for another attack, the Austro-Hungarian fleet, under Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff, arrived on July 20. Tegetthoff initially thought the Italian move was a feint, but he soon realized the audacity of the Italian attack.
The battle commenced with Persano's fleet bombarding Lissa's fortifications. However, the Austrian artillery remained active, causing casualties among the Italian fleet. Despite the damage, Persano decided to attack again on the morning of July 20. As the Italian fleet advanced, the lookout reported the approach of the Austro-Hungarian fleet from the northwest.
In a panicked move, Persano rearranged his ironclads into a column and passed ahead of the Austro-Hungarian formation, creating a significant gap between his leading ships and the rest of the fleet. His indecision led to his shifting of the military flag from the "Italy" to the "Plumb," further disrupting coordination.
Tegetthoff exploited this opportunity and led his ironclads through the gap, while his wooden ships engaged the rest of the Italian fleet. The battle devolved into a chaotic melee, obscured by smoke and rapidly maneuvering ships.
Notably, the flagship "Ferdinand Maximilian" collided with the Italian ship "Italia," causing the latter to lose control. The "Italia" was further impeded by another Austro-Hungarian vessel, leading to its capsizing and sinking. This event marked the end of the battle, and the Italian fleet retreated.
Although Tegetthoff's fleet had sustained damage and chose not to pursue the Italians, the mission to rescue Lissa was accomplished. Admiral Tegetthoff returned to Austria as a national hero, while Admiral Persano was dismissed in Italy.
The Battle of Lissa, the first engagement between steam-powered ironclad ships, held significant implications for naval warfare. It signaled the transition from the age of sail to the era of steam-powered ironclads and prompted naval forces worldwide to study tactics, armaments, and ship designs.
In the end, Italy's loss in the battle was attributed to poor reconnaissance, a lack of battle planning, inadequate communication, and Admiral Persano's indecisiveness. The well-trained and aggressive Austro-Hungarian Navy, under Admiral Tegetthoff's leadership, proved superior despite being outnumbered in terms of ironclad ships.
The Battle of Lissa showcased the resurgence of ramming tactics in naval warfare and the effectiveness of steam-powered ships. Additionally, Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff emerged as one of the greatest naval commanders of the 19th century.
(End of Chapter 39)