The first two ships entered service in August 1940, shortly after Italy joined World War II. "Littorio" was badly damaged in the November 1940 raid on Taranto, and repairs lasted until March 1941. "Vittorio Veneto" was undamaged, and later that month took part in the Battle of Cape Spartivento. In March 1941, she was damaged by British torpedo bombers after the inconclusive Battle of Cape Matapan. Both ships were back in action for the First and Second Battle of Sirte in January and March 1942, respectively. By the end of the year, "Roma" was ready for service and replaced "Littorio" as the fleet flagship. After Benito Mussolini fell from power in July 1943, "Littorio" was renamed "Italia". During the Italian surrender in September 1943, "Roma" was hit by a pair of Fritz-X guided glide bombs; her ammunition magazines blew up in a tremendous explosion and she quickly sank. "Italia" was hit by one Fritz-X and was badly damaged. The United States and Britain received "Italia" and "Vittorio Veneto", respectively, in the peace treaty; both ships were scrapped in the late 1940s, as was the incomplete "Impero".