26mm mm Decima Flottiglia MAS Brown for Kampfschwimmer / Italian Navy Series Watches

HISTORY

The Decima Flottiglia MAS (Decima Flottiglia Motoscafi Armati Siluranti, also known as La Decima or Xª MAS) (Italian for "10th Assault Vehicle Flotilla") was an Italian flotilla, with commando frogman unit, of the Regia Marina (Royal Italian Navy) created during the Fascist regime.

The acronym MAS also refers to various light torpedo boats used by the Regia Marina during World War I and World War II.

Decima MAS was active during the Battle of the Mediterranean and took part in a number of daring raids on Allied shipping. These operations involved surface speedboats (such as the raid on Souda Bay), human torpedoes (the raid on Alexandria) and Gamma frogmen (against Gibraltar). During the campaign, Decima MAS took part in more than a dozen operations which sank or damaged five warships (totalling 72,000 tons) and 20 merchant ships (totalling 130,000 GRT).

In 1943, after the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was ousted, Italy left the Tripartite Pact. Some of the Xª MAS men who were stationed in German-occupied northern and central Italy enlisted to fight for Mussolini's newly formed Italian Social Republic (Repubblica Sociale Italiana or RSI) and retained the unit title, but were primarily employed as an anti-partisan force operating on land. Other Xª MAS men in southern Italy or other Allied-occupied areas joined the Italian Co-Belligerent Navy as part of the Mariassalto (Naval Assault) unit.

THE STRAP

Complete your Kampfschwimmer and Marina Militare look!

Introducing the Decima Flottigilia MAS strap that pays homage to the brave frogman and naval commandos of WW1 and WW2 - The Decima Flottiglia MAS emblem is bodly heat stamped onto the genuine top grain leather strap. The leather is sourced from the best tanneries in the Mid-West United States. 

For a more outdoor and vintage look, this light brown strap is the perfect fit.  For customers who prefer to stay in a more casual setting, this strap acccentuates and pairs well with the 3646 Kampfschwimmer and our Italian Navy series of watches.  The smooth supple texture of the strap ensures comfort when wearing your watch.  Whether gearing up for a long horseride in the Midwest or adding an additional touch of ruggedness to your daily style, this brown leather watch strap is the perfect choice to complement your watch and elevate your look.