Gondar: The Gondar was a Gemma class diesel powered Italian submarine which was laid down on 15 January 1937 at the Muggiano shipyard. Built by Odero-Terni-Orlando, she was launched on 03 October 1937 and commissioned in early 1938. Weighing 615 or 623 GRT (different sources), she had a speed of 14/8.5 knots (surfaced/submerged), and a maximum operating depth of 50 meters. Armament consisted of on 3.9-inch gun, 2 x 13mm AA guns, and 6 x 21-inch torpedo tubes. The Gondar was later equipped in 1940 to operate as a base for assault operations, carrying up to 3 Siluri a lenta corsa manned torpedoes ("maiali" or "pig"). The submarine GONDAR in September 1940. The cylinders used to transport the assault weapons of the Xa MAS (10th Light Flotilla) are clearly visible. (Photo courtesy Erminio Bagnasco and Achille Rastelli) The Gondar il La Spezia Upon completion of modifications to the Gondar to carry manned torpedoes, the new Commander was the experienced LT. F. Brunetti, the former Commander of the Iride.On 21 September 1940, the submarine left her base in La Spezia, Italy and headed to the Italian base at Tobruk. Mission: Attack the British Fleet in Alexandria. During the night of 29 September 1940 the submarine arrived just off the entrance to the Alexandria harbor where she received instructions to abort the mission due to the absence of capital ships in port. Shortly thereafter, the Gondar was spotted by the HMS Stuart D00 (Norman Joseph MacDonald Teacher, RN). On 30 September 1940 the Gondar was attacked by the HMS Stuart and a British Sunderland aircraft from Squadron 230. The submarine was severely damaged by depth charges over the next few hours and was forced to surface. The crew abandoned the submarine, which was then scuttled along with her three manned torpedoes, approximately 110 miles northwest of Alexandria at 31.33N/28.33E in 1700 meters of water. The crew were captured and were imprisoned for the remainder of WWI. One of the prisoners captured happened to be Elios Toschi, who was instrumental in the design and construction of the "maiale" References: Miramar Single Ship Report for "6110488" http://www.regiamarina.net/subs/classes/600/600_weapons_us.htm http://www.naval-history.net/WW2CampaignsItalianNavy.htm http://www.uboat.net/allies/warships/ http://www.sportesport.it/wrecksEG012.htm