Did the British Navy Ever Lose to Pirates? The Curious Case of CMB and a Rogue Italian Submarine

The idea of the British Navy facing defeat from pirates may seem outlandish, but it has a fascinating yet largely overlooked chapter in its history, particularly during World War Two. This article explores an intriguing case involving a Belgian merchant vessel, CMB Compagnie Maritime Belge (Belgian Maritime Company), and a rogue Italian submarine, exposing the complexities of the naval warfare during those tumultuous times.

Imagining the Unthinkable: The Unexpected Joint Venture

During World War Two, the British Navy was considered one of the most formidable and well-equipped forces. Yet, there were instances where even the mightiest of navies faced unexpected challenges. One such instance involves a Belgian merchant vessel and a rogue Italian submarine, both of which became pirate vessels, challenging the conventional norms of naval warfare.

A Belgian cargo vessel, part of the CMB Compagnie Maritime Belge, was outfitted with weapons purchased in Portugal. These vessels operated from Portuguese territories, launching asymmetric attacks against both Allied and Axis convoys. It is said that these pirate vessels would lure ships with one of the vessels operated as bait. Once a lone naval vessel approached to investigate, the Italian submarine would surface and engage, often with overwhelming force. Most notably, both vessels would board and capture their targets. This audacious tactic even extended to Royal Navy ships, leading to a significant embarrassment for all parties involved, except for the pirates.

A Twisted History: An Embarrassment of Naval Tactics

The operations conducted by the Belgian merchant vessel and the Italian submarine were so alarming that the full extent of these actions was not revealed until the 1970s. The story was first mentioned in a 1970s book dedicated to the history of CMB vessels during World War Two. This secrecy underscores the unprecedented nature of these events and the strategic importance of maintaining naval dominance.

The success of these pirate operations lay in their ability to catch unprepared vessels, often operating solo. The use of asymmetric warfare, with one vessel luring the target and the other springing an ambush, demonstrated a level of cunning and adaptability that the regular naval forces were not prepared for. The story of these pirate vessels continues to be a fascinating chapter in naval history, serving as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of warfare and the challenges faced by even the most powerful military forces.

The Legacy of the CMB and the Rogue Submarine

Despite the success of their operations, the ultimate fate of the Belgian cargo vessel and the Italian submarine remains unknown. Both vessels operated for several years, engaging in multiple attacks against various ships, but their final fates are shrouded in mystery. This makes the story all the more intriguing, as it leaves room for speculation and further investigation.

The case of the CMB and the rogue Italian submarine serves as a historical footnote, challenging the belief that the British Navy was invincible. It highlights the importance of adaptability and the potential vulnerability of even the most powerful naval forces to innovative and unconventional tactics. This episode in naval history reminds us that the sea has always been a complex battlefield, with threats often coming from unexpected quarters.

Conclusion: Uncovering the Past for a Better Future

The history of naval warfare is rich with tales of triumph, defeat, and unexpected challenges. The story of the CMB and the rogue Italian submarine compels us to delve into the archives of World War Two to uncover these lesser-known chapters. By understanding the strategies employed by these pirate vessels, we can better prepare for the unpredictable nature of future conflicts.

Key Takeaways:

The British Navy was not invincible during World War Two, as seen by the pirate activities of the CMB and a rogue Italian submarine. Asymmetric warfare can be highly effective in close quarters and against unsuspecting targets. The story of these pirate vessels remains a mystery, with their ultimate fate unknown. Historical research and the study of unconventional tactics are crucial for understanding and preparing for future naval conflicts.

This chapter in naval warfare serves as a reminder that the sea remains a challenging and unpredictable battlefield, where innovative tactics can lead to unexpected outcomes.