WAK EXTRA01-2010 Włoski ciężki krążownik ZARA

Zara was an Italian heavy cruiser of the Second World War. The keel for this unit was laid in 1929, and the launch took place in April 1930. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 180 meters and a width of 20.6 meters. Full displacement reached approx. 14,500 tons, and the maximum speed was approx. 32 knots. The armament included: 8 203 mm guns, 16 100 mm guns and 6 40 mm guns. The unit also used two seaplanes.

Zara belonged to the class of cruisers of the same name. The Zara-class cruisers were built as a de facto far-reaching development of the Trento-type units. Compared to their predecessors, they had much better armor at the expense of maximum speed. It should be added, however, that in the latter respect, the Zara type units were not inferior to British or French designs. In 1940, all units of this type were modernized mainly by strengthening their anti-aircraft armament. Cruiser Zara, took part in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), where he supported the activities of General Franco's troops. At the outbreak of World War II, it operated in the Mediterranean Sea and was responsible for the protection of Italian convoys. In 1940 he took part in the Battle of Cape Stilo. A year later - in 1941 - Zara fought near Cape Matapan, where she was sunk on March 29. A significant part of the ship's crew died, along with its commander - Commander Luigi Corsi.