On 20 July 1866 the Austrian fleet of Wilhelm von Tegetthoff defeated the larger Italian fleet of Carlo Pellion di Persano off the island of Lissa (Vis) in the Adriatic. It was the first major naval battle between ironclad warships on a large scale.
An unequal fleet battle
The Italian fleet was larger and better armed, while the Austrian fleet included 7 ironclads. Italy lost more than 600 men and two ironclads. Persano was put on trial and held responsible for the defeat.1
The Italian fleet had arrived off the island on 18 July to take it, and Tegetthoff came to its aid two days later.2
Afterwards
Vis stayed Austrian. The battle had no direct effect on the outcome of the war, but as the first major naval battle between ironclad ships it influenced naval tactics.3
Also on this day
1657: Battle of Czarny Ostrów. At Czarny Ostrów, the Polish Crown army of Potocki, Lubomirski and Czarniecki cornered the invading Transylvanian army of George II Rákóczi during the Deluge.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Lissa?
It was fought on 20 July 1866 off Lissa (Vis island) in the Adriatic Sea, during the Third Italian War of Independence.
Who won the Battle of Lissa?
The Austrian fleet under Wilhelm von Tegetthoff defeated the Italian fleet under Carlo Pellion di Persano.
Why is it important?
It was the first battle in which ironclad warships were used on a major scale.
Notes
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