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Vilhelm TeggetgovAustrian naval commander
Date of Birth: 23.12.1827
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Content:
- Wilhelm von Tegetthoff (1827-1871)
- Advancement in the Austrian Navy
- Command and Exploration
- Command of the Main Fleet
- The Battle of Lissa
- Impact on Naval Warfare
- Later Career and Legacy
- Carlo, Count Pellion di Persano (1806-1873)
- Command of the Italian Fleet
- Aftermath of the Battle of Lissa
- Lessons from the Battle of Lissa
Wilhelm von Tegetthoff (1827-1871)
Early Life and Naval EducationBorn on December 23, 1827, in Marburg, Styria, Wilhelm von Tegetthoff received his early education at a local gymnasium. In 1840, he enrolled as a cadet at the Naval College in Venice. Upon graduating on July 23, 1845, he embarked on a series of voyages in the Adriatic and Archipelago.
Advancement in the Austrian Navy
By 1848, Tegetthoff had risen to the rank of midshipman and quickly advanced through the ranks. He served on various ships, including the "Montecuccoli," "Trieste," and "Bellona." In 1849, he became aide-de-camp to the Chief of the Navy, Field Marshal-Lieutenant von Martini, and accompanied him on a mission to Naples.
Command and Exploration
In 1851 and 1852, Tegetthoff was promoted to frigate and ship lieutenant, respectively. He commanded the schooner "Elizabeth" in the Levant and the steamer "Taurus" in the Sulina River. In 1857 and 1858, he undertook an exploratory mission to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, collecting information on the potential route of the Suez Canal.
Command of the Main Fleet
By 1864, Tegetthoff was a captain and commanded the Austrian fleet in the German-Danish War. He led a squadron to the North German Sea, where they engaged and forced the Danish fleet to lift the blockade of the Elbe and Weser estuaries. For his actions, he was awarded the Order of the Iron Crown, 2nd Class, with War Decoration.
The Battle of Lissa
In 1866, Tegetthoff commanded the Austrian fleet in the Battle of Lissa during the Austro-Prussian War. Despite the Italian fleet's superior strength, Tegetthoff's innovative tactics, including the use of ram attacks, led to an Austrian victory.
Impact on Naval Warfare
The successful employment of the ram attack in the Battle of Lissa revolutionized naval warfare. It became a common tactic in subsequent naval engagements, including the Russo-Turkish War and the Sino-Japanese War.
Later Career and Legacy
After the war, Tegetthoff became a vice admiral and headed the Naval Department of the Ministry of War. He dedicated himself to modernizing the Austrian navy. He died on April 7, 1871, and a monument was erected in his honor in Vienna.
Carlo, Count Pellion di Persano (1806-1873)
Early Life and Naval CareerCarlo Pellion di Persano was an Italian admiral and politician. Born in 1806, he served in the Sardinian fleet and later commanded the blockade of Venice during the 1859 war.
Command of the Italian Fleet
In 1866, Persano was appointed commander of the Italian fleet during the Austro-Prussian War. Despite leading a fleet of advanced battleships, he failed to achieve a decisive victory at the Battle of Lissa.
Aftermath of the Battle of Lissa
Persano was heavily criticized for his conduct of the battle and was court-martialed. He was convicted of negligence and dismissed from the navy. He died in 1873.
Lessons from the Battle of Lissa
The Battle of Lissa demonstrated the importance of preparing and training naval personnel, developing sound tactics, and ensuring effective coordination within the fleet. These lessons have since become essential principles of modern naval warfare.