Launched on on 14 June 1942, Roma was the third Littorio-class battle ship of the Regia Marina and the sister ship to Vittorio Veneto and Littorio. A forth sister, Impero was never completed. While stationed at La Spezia, she was severely damaged in an air raid by US Boeing B-17 bombers using 2,000 pound armour piercing bombs.
Following the Italian armistice on 8 September 1943, Roma sailed to Malta. En-route, Roma and the the accompanying ships were attacked by a force of German Dornier Do 217 bombers using Fritz X guided bombs. Roma was hit twice, causing a magazine explosion, followed by her sinking.
Roma being launched on June 9th 1940Roma being launched on June 9th 1940
General Photographs
Roma Prior to CommissioningRoma, underway on the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy, 1942Roma in La Spezia Harbour 1943Roma, at La Spezia. Spring of 1943Roma Under Attack at La SpeziaRomaRomaRomaItalian battleship Roma, shown shortly after her completion in 1942.RomaRomaRomaRoma Firing Main ArmamentRomaForward guns on the Italian battleship Roma as she was being fitted out in 1943RomaRoma Looking ForwardRoma Stern CatapultRomaRomaRomaRomaRomaRomaAdmiral Carlo Bergamini on the deck of Roma
Sinking
Roma After Being hit a Second Time and ExplodingRoma After Being hit a Second TimeRoma Sinking
