Battle of Lissa, 20 July 1866

Background. Following the outbreak of war in mid-June 1866, Italian forces suffered defeats at Custoza. Admiral Persano was instructed to clear the Adriatic and establish Ancona as a base. However, concerns about ship conditions and crew quality persisted. Tegetthoff, appointed commander of the Austrian battle fleet in May 1866, prepared for offensive action. The Italian fleet, larger but potentially less effective, aimed to occupy Lissa to support land operations in Dalmatia, setting the stage for a naval confrontation.

Prelude to Battle. Tegetthoff conducted reconnaissance from Pula to Ancona, finding the Italian fleet anchored there. After withdrawing due to coastal defenses, Persano cruised near Lissa from 9 to 11 July without engaging. The decision to occupy Lissa as a naval base led to delays that allowed Austrians to alert Tegetthoff. Persano sailed on 16 July, expecting Tegetthoff would not arrive before the evening of 19 July. However, Tegetthoff departed Pula immediately to relieve the island's garrison.

Naval Engagement. The battle involved the first major scale use of ironclad warships. The Italian fleet included the turret ship Affondatore, equipped with a ramming spur. Tegetthoff, known for creative tactics, sailed directly for the center of the Italian fleet to compensate for his fleet's lack of firepower. The Austrian ship Kaiser engaged the Affondatore, causing significant damage. The Italian ship Re di Portogallo drifted away after concentrated fire, lost in the smoke of battle.

Aftermath. The Austrians were victorious, relieving Lissa and sinking two Italian warships through ramming tactics. The defeat caused public outcry in Italy. Persano, a sitting senator, was judged by the Italian Senate, which alone had the authority to try him. He was condemned for incompetence on 15 April 1867 and dismissed from the navy. Tegetthoff later undertook study journeys and served in high naval administrative roles.