Battle of Durazzo (1915) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Durazzo (1915)
Part of the Adriatic Campaign of World War I
HMS Dartmouth
Date 28–29 December 1915 Location Off Durazzo, Adriatic Sea Result Allied victory
Belligerents
Italy  France  United Kingdom	Austria-Hungary
Commanders and leaders
Rear Admiral Bellini	Heinrich Seitz
Strength
4 light cruisers 9 destroyers 1 submarine	1 light cruiser 5 destroyers 1 submarine
Casualties and losses
1 submarine sunk 1 light cruiser damaged	2 destroyers sunk 1 light cruiser damaged 1 destroyer damaged

The First Battle of Durazzo was a naval battle fought during World War I. It happened near Durazzo, Albania, in December 1915. This battle involved warships from Austria-Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France. It was an important part of the fighting in the Adriatic Sea.

The Battle Begins

In December 1915, the Austro-Hungarian Navy sent a group of warships into the Adriatic Sea. Their goal was to disrupt the Serbian war effort. This group included the fast light cruiser SMS Helgoland. It was joined by five speedy Tátra-class destroyers.

Austrian Ships Set Sail

These ships left their base at Cattaro on December 28, 1915. They headed towards Durazzo. Two other destroyers and the submarine U-15 were already patrolling near Durazzo.

First Clash: Submarine Sunk

On their way, the Austro-Hungarian ships spotted a French submarine called Monge. It was on patrol south of Cattaro. One of the Austrian destroyers, SMS Balaton, quickly attacked. It fired its guns and then rammed the Monge, sinking the submarine.

Action at Durazzo

Early the next day, the Austrian warships reached Durazzo. They began firing on the town. The Helgoland sank a Greek merchant ship and two smaller sailing boats.

Mines Cause Trouble

During the attack, the destroyer SMS Lika hit an underwater mine. The mine exploded, sinking the ship. Soon after, another destroyer, SMS Triglav, was badly damaged by a second mine. The ship SMS Csepel tried to pull the damaged Triglav away. However, its own propeller got tangled. So, the ship SMS Tátra took over the job of towing Triglav. After these incidents, the Austrian force slowly began to head back north.

Allied Response

Allied forces in Brindisi, Italy, quickly learned about the Austrian attack. They sent out their own warships to stop the Austro-Hungarians.

Chasing the Enemy

The British light cruiser HMS Dartmouth and the Italian scout cruiser Quarto led the chase. They were escorted by five French destroyers. Two hours later, more Allied ships joined the pursuit. These included the Italian scout cruiser Nino Bixio and the British light cruiser HMS Weymouth. Four Italian destroyers also followed.

Austrian Reinforcements

The Austrians also sent out more ships from Cattaro to help their returning fleet. These included the armored cruiser Kaiser Karl VI and the light cruisers Novara and Aspern. However, these ships did not directly join the battle.

The Chase and Final Clash

In the early afternoon of December 29, the leading Allied ships caught up with the Austrian squadron. The Austrians were still far from their home base.

Sinking of Triglav

The French destroyers quickly moved towards the already crippled Austrian destroyer Triglav. They attacked and sank her. After this, they tried to rejoin the British and Italian cruisers.

Helgoland Escapes

Meanwhile, the Allied cruisers tried to cut off and capture the Helgoland and the three remaining Austrian destroyers. A long-range gun battle took place throughout the afternoon. The Helgoland was very skilled and managed to avoid the Allied ships. It safely reached Cattaro, but the Austrians had lost two valuable destroyers, the Lika and the Triglav. The Tatra also suffered damage to its engine from several shell hits.

See also

• Mediterranean naval engagements during World War I
• Otranto Barrage