Ernesto Burzagli

Ernesto Burzagli CB GCMM GOA (7 June 1873 – 13 September 1944) was a prominent figure in the Kingdom of Italy during the early 20th century.

During a lifetime career in the Italian Royal Navy (Regia Marina Italiana), he rose to the rank of admiral and chief of staff.

Burzagli graduated from the Accademia Navale di Livorno in 1892, and after serving on a number of ships in the Royal Italian Navy, he was assigned as a military attaché to Tokyo, Japan in May 1904.

He arrived just in time to become an official foreign observer of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Russo-Japanese War, and witnessed first-hand the naval bombardment of Port Arthur.

At the end of the war in 1919, Burzagli was sent to Albania to command the Vlore naval base, and played an active role in the suppression of pro-independence Albanian uprising, personally undertaking several reconnaissance flights over rebel-held territory, for which he was awarded the Bronze Medal of Military Valor.

[4] On his return, Burzagli was promoted to the rank of rear admiral; and he and assigned to head the Accademia Navale and the Italian Institute of Marine War.

Aboard a Japanese naval vessel in Yokohama harbor before sailing to the Battle of Port Arthur (1904).
Japanese certificate acknowledging Burzagli's observer participation as Italian naval attaché serving with the Imperial Japanese Navy (1904-1906).
Coat of arms, granted by the Istituto Nazionale del Nastro Azzurro to Ernesto Burzagli.
Moroccan decree ( dahir ) which proclaims and confirms that the Order of Oissam Alaouite is conferred on Ernesto Burzagli
Diploma of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, creating Burzagli a Commander (First Class)
Map showing the route sailed by the RN Libia circumnavigating the world (1921-1923); and inset images feature a side view of the naval vessel and the ship's captain.
Letter dated 1919, from the United States Secretary of the Navy , awarding the Navy Cross to Burzagli
Certificate confirming that the Order of Aviz was conferred on Burzagli by the President of the Portuguese Republic in 1920
The RN Count of Cavour (RN Conte di Cavour ), one of the many ships on which Burzagli served.