Customer Reviews

Frogmen: First Battles

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Outstanding book on the history of the Decima MAS (10th Light Flotilla). This naval assault unit defined the term "frogmen" who were the originators of underwater warfare. They mastered the use of the "Human Torpedo" and "Explosive Motor Boats" and wrecked havoc on Allied ships. No longer did the Allies have the luxury of feeling secure in port. When I bought this book I could not put it down. Italian war heros such as Teseo, Borghese and de la Penne all come to life in this well written book. The great pictures are also worth noting.
If you are to buy any book on Italian World War Two actions, this is it! Highly, Highly Recommended!!
Jim Heddlesten

A very interesting book showing the exploits of the originators of modern underwater warfare: the Italian frogmen! This book will take you to each mission (in WW II) like you were there. Spine chilling details of almost fanatical dedication to triumph over any challenge! Highly recommended to anyone interested in historical diving and underwater warfare. In the minus side, the book could be improved with more and better photographs of the gear and equipment used by these early underwater wariors.

I just received my copy of this excellent book yesterday from amazon.com, I must agree it's very well written and details the amazing missions of the 10th light comandos superbly!

It's a definite must buy if you're into military history, and it does do justice to the real exploits of this elite Italian unit that severely embarrassed and almost crippled the British Royal Navy led by Admiral Andrew Cunningham.

The latter of which led a campaign of misinformation by keeping any reference to the events detailed in this recount out of English history books in a hush hush propaganda campaign for almost 55 years now.

I've almost finished reading it am and now sadly at chapter 23 the last chapter in the book, sadly because the reader is left wanting more and one wishes thatthe Authors William Schofield and P.J. carisella would release a second volume as surely there is more to tell about the 10th light flottila (Decima mas who wore the emblem of a blue shield with a skull holding a red rose between its teeth and a large red X as its insignia) than is covered in this brilliantly written volume...

If you have'nt read this book yet then I urge you to do so ...
It's a very good read indeed!

And it details an aspect of military history that all should learn about... buy it now! it's that good!

Significant historical war information, reading almost like an exciting novel, has been written by William Schofield and P. J. Carisella. A "taste" of Frogmen: First Battles is immediately provided in the Foreword:

At the peak of World War II...a small band of daredevil Italian Navymen roved the Mediterranean Sea and raised devastating havoc...These were the "frogmen," the pilots of human-torpedoes and self-exploding Eboats...a new type of warrior. (p. 5)

Loaded with fascinating pictures and explicit details, this book moves from a quick announcement by Prince Valerio Borghese of the Italian Royal Navy in Chapter 1 that New York was the target for these men. He was dining with the Commander-in-Chief of Germany's untersee fleet. Borghese was the leader behind the activities of the Tenth Light Flotilla.

In the midst of every war, individuals who love their own country, must stop and salute the brave, patriotic, soldiers who willingly go into battle to support their respective countries. Even those who were part of the Tenth Light Flotilla and who wondered about the decision to support the German efforts, nevertheless overcame personal questions and risked their lives over and over.

Indeed, those who were recruited and accepted assignment to this group were perhaps required to act on their own more than any other soldier fighting in WWII. For these men set out alone or with a partner to take on...Battleships! Cruisers! Destroyers! Merchant Ships! Aircraft! They invaded Gibraltar, Suda Bay, Africa, et. al., but nobody knew they were there until the frogmen were gone!

Weapons and tactics planned for Italy's Tenth Light were started during WWI when they faced the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They wanted to invent and deploy a new weapon capable of breaking through harbor defenses. The war ended and instead of proceeding on with this important project, nothing was done during the 17 years of peace. It took Mussolini's desire to invade Ethiopia in 1935 to nudge Prince Borghese to move forward in developing new, unforeseen weapons. From this new effort, the story of the invention, testing, training, and use of these weapons are thoroughly documented. Two men could soon approach and attack a target without ever showing themselves above the surface of the water. And then during WWII, the Tenth Light Flotilla ultimately succeeded in destroying all of Britain's battleships!

However, instead of proceeding to move further in this direction, military authorities moved in a different direction. This bit of historical news certainly forces readers to wonder what might have actually happened in this War if Italy had been permitted to further use these brave warriors against Britain and the United States!

Frogmen: First Battles is well written and documented coverage of a part of our WWII history. If you are interested in history and, in particular, weapons and details on specific actions against the enemy, this book is for you! You may have realized that this group never did attack New York...but I found it chilling just how close they were to that particular maneuver!

Like I said at the beginning, this book reads almost as a novel. If I were describing it as fiction, I would call it an exciting adventure story...But this was real and what I found most thrilling was the individual, personal stories about the warriors who risked their lives routinely on behalf of their country.

A final wonderful touch to this book was a personal interview with Sergio Denti, the only remaining frogman, who was 80 at the time this book was published. Mr. Denti was not recognized with the Medal of Honor until 1993! I enjoy these special little touches that are often added by publisher Adolph Caso (also Colonel, USAR Retired) to enhance books he publishes. He has many times illustrated his commitment and love for his heritage! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all interested readers!

This book is a must for anyone who is interested in the genesis of modern naval special warfare.I knew Captain Schofield personally and he speaks with authority in this book. A real landmark work.