The Decima Flottglia MAS, or more commonly the Decima Mas, were an elite Italian unit during World War II. They were, or are, famous for several notable successes and the sinking of many Allied ships.

The Decima Mas was split in two units. One unit specialized in "human torpedo" attacks - the use of a torpedo as a manned submarine by two frogmen, and also as an explosive. The other specialized in frogmen-based tactics.

They carried out several successfully raids against Royal Navy Ships anchored in Gibraltar both from conventional attacks launched from ships and from a base in a derelict cargo ship Olterra anchored at Algeciras in neutral Spain close to Gibraltar. The Olterra was specially modified with doors near to the water line so that the human torpedo boats could enter the water unseen by British observers based in Spain.

After Italy capitulated to the Allies, some members of Decima Mas continued to fight with the Axis forces, joining the Italian Social Republic, others fought with the Allies. Its commander was Junio Valerio Borghese

Time line

See Human torpedo#Timeline of manned torpedo operations (Italian and British)

External links

• ITALIAN NAVAL ASSAULT UNITS