ANDREW CUNNINGHAM

Commanding the Mediterranean fleet, nearly three years, Cunningham has successfully fought against the Italian fleet, demonstrating the military and diplomatic power.

Admiral Cunningham (1883-1963) in 1939, served as Chief of the Mediterranean fleet, which by the beginning of the Second World War on the Anglo-Egyptian treaty was based in Alexandria. Malta, the main base, had to leave as too vulnerable to attack Italian aviation. In June 1940, after victories in France, Germany, Italy entered the war. Italian fleet has exceeded the power Cunningham, deprived of support for the French Navy. There was danger of invasion of the Italians from Libya and the capture of Alexandria. However, when the First Sea Lord D. Pound questioned the possibility of withdrawal of the fleet from the Mediterranean sea, the admiral expressed his hope that such a decision has been taken ever.

The situation of the Mediterranean Fleet facilitate connection "H" D. Sommerville relations in Gibraltar. Consisting of high-speed ships, specially designed for the action on various fronts, it could be a few hours in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and to support Cunningham.

English fleet in Alexandria has the influence of Great Britain in the Middle East. He guarded the Suez Canal and oil areas. Cunningham was able to peacefully demilitarize the French squadron in Alexandria Godefroid. Vigorous admiral intended to steal from Italy, a strategic initiative and control over the central pool, to prevent the transfer of power in Africa and to ensure communication British Army Nile. However, without the Maltese, with its maintenance base and the Airport Authority control over the central area was impossible, and the Italians, taking advantage of removing the main base of an enemy fleet to conduct convoys to Tripoli and Benghazi. In addition, they have the marine forces in the Red Sea, giving the English carriage.

7 Jul. , 1940 Cunningham resigned from Alexandria with the rest of the fleet is almost the most shores of Italy. It covered 2 convoys, which were necessary to remove the goods from Malta to Alexandria.

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

Numerous Italian air attack caused little damage to the ship. Cunningham knew that the powerful Italian fleet covers a convoy in Benghazi, and took a position to cut off the enemy from Taranto. In the battle of Calabria in July 9th, 1940 Italian ships were damaged and left, taking advantage of superior speed. Cunningham pursued the enemy, and then returned to Alexandria, making the movement of convoys. This battle established the superiority of the English fleet. It was confirmed on 19 July, when the light cruiser "Sydney" and 5 destroyers in the battle with 2 Italian light cruisers sunk one of them.

Meanwhile in London, after much thought yet decided that the pre-war view that Malta can not be protected, should be reconsidered. On the island have sent reinforcements. Until the middle of the sea accompanied by their connection "H" and then greeted the ships Cunningham.

Among the ships arrived to reinforce aircraft carrier Illastries "allowed the commander to conduct long-conceived raid on the home base of the Italian fleet. In Taranto were 6 battleships and heavy cruisers. During the night at 12 on Nov. 20 torpedo with Illastriesa "two waves of attacking ships at Taranto and torpedoes sunk battleship" Littorio "," Conti di Cavour and Duilio Cayo. The first two require long repair, and the latter because in the sea and never left.

In late November, the connection "H" and the Mediterranean fleet to ensure a fast moving convoy to Malta and Alexandria. On 27 November the Italian battleship "Vitoria Veneto" and "Cayo Cesare" fought with the ships Sommerville relations, and then came the ships Cunningham. Italians were unable to prevent the convoy to reach the goal. They are losing more and more submarines, marine and blows from the air force lost 82 vessels of about 190 thousand tons. As a result, by the end of 1940, the British fleet dominated the Mediterranean Sea.

To help the Allies, Hitler ordered the transfer to Sicily 150 dive-bombers to attack British ships, especially in Alexandria and the straits between Sicily and Africa.

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

This created a breakthrough in the war on the Mediterranean Sea. In January 1941, Cunningham went to sea with almost all the forces to meet the convoy of the metropolis, as well as to deliver the goods in Malta and to withdraw from the empty transports. On 10 January he met cordon convoy 100 miles west of Malta, followed by Sommerville relations turned to Gibraltar. The same day, 40 German bombers attacked the Mediterranean fleet, sunk the cruiser "Southampton" damaged "Illastries and 14 transports. Convoy was able to hold, but the old rule of the British fleet was not. Victory Nile Army terminated when significant forces were deployed to Greece, where the Italian troops invaded. At the same time, the African body Rommel transported to Africa, began an offensive against the weakened British forces. The German air attack concentrated in Malta, began production of magnetic mines in the Suez Canal. Only under cover of bad weather Cunningham was able to bring to Malta 2 transport, but both were damaged in the harbor.

In spring 1941, the main task of the fleet has become a cover convoys carrying troops to Greece. Learning from data aviarazvedki about the major forces of the Italian fleet, Cunningham evening of March 27 came from Alexandria, from 3 battleship, aircraft carrier "Formidebl and 9 destroyers, Vice Admiral GD Pridhem-Uippelu he ordered at dawn on 28 March to focus 4 cruisers and 9 destroyers south of Crete. Morning, vice-admiral said the emergence of two groups of Italian ships and retreated behind a smokescreen. Cunningham immediately ordered to attack enemy aircraft, and at 11 hours and 30 minutes with a torpedo "Formidebla" unsuccessfully attacked the only battleship "Vittorio Veneto". However, their actions forced the Italian admiral Iakino turn to the northwest. In the meantime it was discovered the third compound, cruisers which have been adopted for the battleship. Despite the superiority of the enemy, Cunningham hour once joined ships Pridhem-Uippela, moved to the prosecution and the aircraft carriers sent planes to reduce the speed of enemy ships.

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

Received a torpedo hit "Vittorio Veneto" reduced travel. However, Cunningham did not expect the darkness with their Slow battleship intercepted Italians. He sent forces to support the light contact with the enemy, was preparing a new, third torpedo attack.

At the end of 10 enemy torpedo attack, and hit the heavy cruiser "Pola", lost its way. Ioakino not knew about the presence of the British battleships at sea, 20 hours and 30 minutes sent to the aid of a damaged heavy cruiser Fiume, Zara, and 4 destroyers. At the same time, Cunningham sent to attack all night destroyers. Soon he learned about a single fixed goal ( "Paul"), which took over linkor, and went to the convergence. But when the other side were found two large and one small ship, Admiral arrayed battle line against this team, and opened fire battleship. Not ready for battle "Zara", "Fiume" and 2 destroyers were sunk, and then was found and dobit cruiser "Pola". Catch up with the corrupted "Vittorio Veneto" failed because the order Cunningham to "all ships, not leading the fight" to depart to the north-east, mistakenly perceived as a signal of general waste. At the Battle of cape Matapan completed.

The onset of Rommel led British troops to withdraw to the borders of Egypt. To delay the enemy, should have cut his communications at sea. 16 Apr 4 British destroyers from Malta exterminated Italian convoy (3 destroyers, 5 merchant ships). This confirmed the view of Cunningham, that it is necessary to destroy ships at sea. However, Churchill sought to isolate Tripoli, and even use the Battleship "Barhem" as Brander. Cunningham was confined to those that brought the entire fleet to sea and fired on April 21, Tripoli, but the damage is not caused (had sunk a transport). To create a significant threat to enemy convoys, the British reinforced the defensive shield of Malta, where concentrated light cruiser Didot and 6 destroyers for action on communication. Successfully operate submarines, one of which was sunk on 24 May liner "Conte Rosso".

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

April 6, 1941 German troops invaded Greece. After two weeks of the evacuation of British troops has become a necessity. Due to the explosion of transport of ammunition on the day of the invasion had destroyed the port of Piraeus. We had to use the small harbor and only at night to avoid German air attacks. Cunningham used to evacuate all ships, except for connections in Malta. Managed to remove 51 thousand people.

After the loss of Greece in Crete has been a difficult situation. Cunningham was prepared to reflect the intrusion. Cruisers and destroyers constantly patrolling the north of the island to support them in the sea were heavy ships. However, the rule of the German aircraft did not allow for the delivery of reinforcements Bay Court. May 20, after the bombing on Crete was planted German air landing. An attempt to disembark landing from the sea failed, because the 21-22 May the British destroyed at sea with a convoy of troops. During the support and then evacuation of troops from Crete, the Mediterranean fleet has suffered large losses from the attacks of German aviation. Surviving ships arrived in Alexandria, almost spent ammunition and fuel. Took 18 thousand people from 30. Many ships were damaged. Cunningham The report noted the heroic actions exhausted crew and wrote: "But what they passed is the best indicator of merit. "

Malta to be able to comprehend the fate of Crete. However, the German aircraft had been deployed to prepare the invasion of the USSR. Delivered fighter aircraft carriers, which strengthened the defense of the island. The Italians did not prevent the British conduct convoys to Malta and Alexandria. Fixed-wing aircraft and submarines operated successfully on the Italian communication.

Soon, however, the situation deteriorated. From September until the end of the year have passed through Gibraltar on the Mediterranean Sea 26 German submarines. One of the first victims was the "Ark Royal" sank torpedo aircraft carrier during the delivery of aircraft to Malta. 25 November, the submarine sank battleship "Barhem, were sunk or damaged by other boats.

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

19 December 1941 the Italian fighting undermined the swimmers in the harbor of Alexandria, both British battleship. In the top of misfortunes Sicily returned the German bombers.

All of these problems, as well as Japan′s entry into the war once again put on the agenda the issue of the British withdrawal from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. However, in 1942, Cunningham ships continued to perform his duty. The main objectives were delivery of supplies to Malta and the Army of the Nile and a violation of enemy communications in Africa. But the admiral was not enough to solve all problems. In January, Italian Navy conducted convoys in Africa, 2, and Rommel was able to go on the offensive, pushed the British troops to the border of Egypt. The loss of airfields in Kirenaike complicated to ensure the delivery of convoys to Malta. The Italians held under the guise of battleships convoy to Tripoli. Cunningham is not what it was to put to sea, as happened previously. In March, Admiral still decided to prevent the enemy to bring reinforcements to Africa and sent 3 light cruisers and 10 destroyers Rear Admiral Vayena, but the flagship cruiser submarine and other ships came under attack aviation, Air Force and the British were unable to prevent the movement of convoys. These reinforcements allowed Rommel to invade Egypt. Quite a difficult situation and Malta. However, to solve these problems had to Cunningham′s successor, received a new appointment.

April 1, Andrew Cunningham lowered the flag and went to England. He is, after nearly three years of fighting had to lead the naval mission to the United States. Sailor in Washington, attended the meetings of the chiefs of staff for planning military operations. Then he was appointed deputy Eisenhower in the operation "sticks out". The plan provided for boarding operations of British troops in Algiers and Oran (Mediterranean Sea) and the U. S. - in Casablanca, on the coast of Morocco. Cunningham with its headquarters located inside the rock of Gibraltar. Through organizing the activities of its headquarters planting a success, and talks with Eisenhower and Admiral Cunningham Darlanom stop resistance vishistskih troops.

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

Engaged in the operation naval and air bases to transport in the western Mediterranean Sea.

February 20, 1943 Cunningham newly appointed Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet. Supporting offensive 8 th Army in Tunisia, the cruisers and destroyers, in collaboration with the Air Force avoid enemy reinforcements to Africa. When British troops took possession of May 7, Tunisia and Bizerte, admiral gave the order: "sink, burn, destroy. Do not miss anybody. " The latter refers to those forces who tried to cross into Europe. May 13, surrendered the last Axis troops in Africa. Well before the fleet began to sweep minefields in the narrow, and May 5, Cunningham informed the Admiralty: "The passage through the Mediterranean Sea is clean. " After a week of renewed traffic between Gibraltar and Alexandria, ships began to go to India and Australia via the Suez Canal. The success was fighting submarines, decreased losses from German air through a developed system of air allies.

7 April, 1943 Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the idea of disembarking in Sicily British 8 th and 7 th American armies that have maintained the ships of the fleet, the overall command of the sea has Admiral E. Cunningham. On his proposal, had previously been taken Pantelleria island.

"Operation Husky" was appointed on July 10. May 20, Admiral Cunningham introduced the plan of operation subordinate British and American marine commander. The operation involved 2,590 ships and landing of military ships. During the transition to boarding areas, all British and American ships under the command Cunningham, and then moved to the commanders of landing compounds. Since late May, began the movement of convoys, initially from the United States, and from England and Africa. They managed Cunningham headquarters in Algiers and the Admiralty. Since the secret operation was prepared, the losses amounted to only 4 ships, submarines sunk.

July 4, Cunningham ordered the hold of "Operation Husky" on the night of July 9. Last night before Eisenhower with Cunningham and headquarters went to Malta, where there was good communication.

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

Due to inclement weather, the enemy did not expect to disembarkation. Resistance proved weak. By the evening of July 10, British troops entrenched on the shore, took Syracuse, and 13 July Augusto - soon these two are taking the court. The Americans met with great resistance, but on 22 July captured Palermo and Messina went on. In terms of activity of German aircraft and submarines Cunningham pointed out that "long-term stay at anchor such a large number of enemy ships near the shore at a small loss borders on a miracle. " When the opponent has the stubborn resistance to coming to Catania British troops, Admiral led from Malta Battleship "Uorspayt, which fire shells at the main fire support attack. Captain was ready to disembark landing to the rear of the enemy, but Montgomery twice refused it and chose to step away from the sea. As a result, the enemy is not defeated and driven out of Sicily.

July 21 Joint Chiefs of Staff decided that the next landing will be in Italy, in Salerno, south of Naples, while the 8-th Army Montgomery was speeded Messina Strait. By early September, was completed on the concentration of troops and ships. Admiralty concerned, if it′s a Cunningham forces to ensure that troops in Salerno. September 1, admiral appointed day boarding 9 th September and 3 September, did not meet resistance, the army forced the Montgomery Straits of Messina and began moving to Naples. By 9 September, the Tyrrhenian Sea entered the connection cover and support. Yesterday it was announced the signing of the armistice with Italy. Cunningham ordered the ships of the Italian Navy to go from La Spezia to the south on a particular route. 9 September 3 battleship, 6 cruisers and destroyers were made, but the delay allowed Admiral Bergamini German aircraft to attack and sink the battleship controlled bombs "Roma. " The rest of the court met and held in Malta the ships sent by Cunningham. There, and escorted the fleet of Taranto. Admiral reported to Admiralty: "I am happy to inform them lordstva that the Italian battle-fleet now stands at gunpoint guns Fortress Malta".

Photo — «Andrew Cunningham»

Sent Cunningham ships took Taranto, Brindisi and other ports are required to supply the troops in Italy and action on communications.

Landing at Salerno on 9 September was a success, but more troops met with stubborn resistance. At the request of Admiral Hewitt Cunningham sent from Malta battleship to fire helped U. S. forces to expand the bridgehead. Thanks to the German artillery shelling attempt was thwarted counterfire. September 16, troops Montgomery contacted troops. 1 October, the Allies took Naples, which began to clear, to make the base of supplies.

When the first sea Lord Dudley Pound at a conference in Quebec in August, had a seizure, the question of his replacement. Churchill did not want to appoint an independent Cunningham, but was forced to agree with the general view of seafarers and the cause of Admiral. As First Lord Cunningham remained strong and independent. When the squadron Fraser bombs damaged battleship "Tirpicz" standing in Alta fode, and departed, Cunningham demanded repeat attack to destroy the ship, and has made repeated attempts. He continued to advise W. Churchill of the Marine Strategy.

In his notes D. Eisenhower recalled:

". . . Andrew Cunningham . . . was Admiral nelsonovskogo type. He believed that the ships go to sea to find and destroy the enemy. He always think in terms of onset, rather than defense. Cunningham was a vigorous, vynosliv, reasonable and honest. Despite its austerity, he enjoyed an exceptional respect for troops British naval forces and to a large extent the officers and soldiers of other types of armed forces . . . "