Naval Battle of the Strait of Otranto
Summary
The surprise Austro-Hungarian attack against the Allied naval blockade of the Strait of Otranto triggered a violent naval skirmish. French forces participated in the riposte and support of the Italian squadron, engaging destroyers notably in counter-attack against enemy torpedo boats.
Historical context
The Strait of Otranto was a key point of the Franco-British blockade against the Austro-Hungarian fleet based at Cattaro and Pola. The enemy objective was to break this blockade and restore free movement toward the Mediterranean. France maintained several units in the zone in cooperation with Allied naval forces.
Tactics
The Austro-Hungarians conducted a rapid attack against blockade drifters. French destroyers reacted quickly, engaging enemy torpedo boats in night manoeuvres. Light artillery and short-range fire dominated the confrontation, in a configuration scattered among groups of ships.
Consequences
The battle demonstrated limits of the blockade and vulnerability of Allied positions in the Adriatic. Though the enemy withdrew quickly, the engagement led to reinforced inter-Allied coordination. France subsequently increased its naval presence in the sector, notably by reinforcing destroyers based at Corfu.