United States Benson-Livermore Class Destroyers

USS Gleaves DD423, our motor boat killer

Mini-submarines and explosively laden motor boats

During the invasion of Europe from 43-45, the German and Italian military forces devised a plan to infiltrate and destroy transport and naval ships in and near harbor entrances. Mini submarines and explosives laded motor boats were sent to disrupt and destroy any military operation at sea. The main goal was to break up any landing attempts, or in many cases to destroy ships at anchor. Some of these attacks were successful but the destroyers usually ended up on top , and these craft on the bottom.

See below for some actions against these enemy craft.

Mini-sub and Motor boat actions

  During operations in support of the attacks on Italy in 1944, USS Gleaves DD423 was sent to San Remo, Italy on patrol and support duty. Gleaves helped in the bombardment of shore installations there 1 October firing on shipping in the harbor of Oneglio, Italy, with hits on two cargo ships on the night of 1 to 2 October. Gleaves was attacked and succeeded in destroying one of three small explosives-laden German motor boats moving down the coast to San Remo. The other two were temporarily driven off. Returning to her station off San Remo, Gleaves was attacked two more times before she, by violent maneuvering, depth charges, and well-placed gunfire, left five boats sunk in her wake. The following morning she returned to the area to find a sixth boat disabled; and captured it with two operators on board, who provided the Allies much valuable information.

  During operation "Anvil", USS Madison DD425 , on antisubmarine patrol and fire support duty, became the champion human torpedo shooter (mini-sub), obtaining in 1 day alone, 10 September, four certain kills and one probable.

 USS Ludlow DD438 supported the Invasion of Southern France. While on coastal fire support missions around Monaco, she encountered not only floating mines and E-boats, but also attacks by explosive-laden boats and human torpedoes. Ludlow captured three operators of these one man diving machines on 5 September after a series of depth charge attacks, sinking the three mini-subs.

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All Information is maintained and written by the Author, Richard Angelini,USS Mayo Group. This website is a service provided by the USS Mayo DD422 Group. Please ask to use any information contained within these pages. Thank you.