Hello,
I was reading about convoy war in the Mediterranean during the second world war and decided to ask for your opinions about the doctrine of existence of the fleet that was used by Italy. Was is effective for you?
Considering that the italian fleet sunk more tonnage than the british in the Med. and managed to bring at destination most of the convoy's ( I don't have data at hand if necessary I'll post something later) I think it was.
Sure it was not all a deliberate choice, the Navy lacked fuel to operate the surface ships at full time and consequently in mid-august battle in 1942 scored only a tactical victory as the presence of all the italian battlefleet would have scored a lethal blow to the RN in the Mediterranean.
So, well, I would like to know your opinions about this doctrine, did it work in the war?
Note: please refrain to say it did'nt because the Axis lost, it does'nt add anything to the discussion if you don't articulate how a different approach could have changed at least the tactical situation.