Mare Nostrum? Part 1

I had promised the masses a Fletcher Pratt naval game so I needed to come up with a scenario.  During a flick through my copy of Conway's Fighting Ships 1922-1946, I noticed that the Italian Littorio class battleships were commissioned as a response to the French Dunkerque class.  What fun might there be if they were actually to meet?  The player briefings are reproduced below.  A future post will cover the action as it unfolded.

The Vittorio Veneto - a big Italian boat.

French Briefing

While the nation’s attention is focused on the French Army’s gallant fight gallantly against the German invaders, it would clearly be unwise to ignore Germany’s ally, Italy.  Accordingly, a task force consisting of the two new battleships, Dunkerque and Strasbourg, accompanied by the cruisers Montcalm and La Galissionere will stage a demonstration during the final trials of the new Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto.  You must approach to within 4 feet of the Vittorio Veneto but must not initiate hostilities against what is still a neutral power.

Once you have shown the Italians just who the Mediterranean belongs to you may return to port.

Vive La France!

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Italian Briefing

Il Duce has decreed that the nation will soon engage in a glorious struggle against the decadent French.

While the French are focused on the losing battle against our glorious German allies, our Navy will stage a demonstration to show the French that the Mediterranean really is ‘Mare Nostrum’.  Accordingly, a task force consisting of the two new battleships, Littorio and Vittorio Veneto, accompanied by the cruiser Guissano will stage a demonstration during the final trials of the recently refitted French battleship Strasbourg.  You must approach to within 6 feet of the Strasbourg and unless she withdraws you may then open fire and sink her.

Once you have shown the French just who the Mediterranean belongs to you may return to port.

Avanti!