The Siluro San Bartolomeo (St. Bartholomew Torpedo) was an Italian
Human Torpedo designed during World War II, used by the
Decima Flottiglia MAS for commando style operations. When using the
Siluro a Lenta Corsa MaialeHuman Torpedo had noticed some limitations, demonstrating the need for an updated version. The project was managed and developed by the engineer of the Genio Naval, Mayor
Mario Masciulli, with the help of Captain
G.N Travaglino and engineer
Guido Cattaneo. The improvement in the materials available for the assembly and parallel new technologies led to a far superior product to the point of not being able to identify and as an outgrowth of the "
Siluro a Lenta Corsa" SLC Maiale.
Just three Siluro San Bartolomeo had been manufactured before the date of the
Armistice between Italy and Allied armed forces; two remained in
La Spezia and one which was sent to
Venice was found at the end of the war. Both of
La Spezia were consigned to the La Castagna Task Force, an old battery of the
Decima Flottiglia MAS under the command of Lieutenant
Augusto Jacobacci (Siluro San Bartolomeo pilot). Those had been designated to attack
Gibraltar, but the action was suspended with the armistice.