22 MAS

22 MAS (22º Gruppo Mezzi d’Assalto) was an elite unit of the Italian Royal Navy (Regia Marina) during World War II, specializing in naval special operations. Formed from the earlier Decima Flottiglia MAS, it became renowned for pioneering the use of manned torpedoes (SLC "Maiale") and explosive motorboats in attacks against Allied shipping. The unit achieved notable successes, such as the December 1941 raid on Alexandria harbor, crippling two British battleships. After the 1943 Armistice, 22 MAS members split between the Allies and the Italian Social Republic, continuing operations until the end of the war.