Re: Two SM.79s shot down 22-5-1943
 

Hello

My view is that the Williamson claims are the morning of the 23rd, which ties in with the death date as per Italian records.

Regards

Russell

Re: Two SM.79s shot down 22-5-1943
 

Following a visit to the PRO there was a brief AD(I)K report which looks like a possible Williamson claim - In sea 52 miles N/E of Philippville at 0545 hrs 23-5-1943 - SM 79 black 1 of 284 Sqd./131 Gruppo mission armed shipping recon. carrying one torpedo - while at an altitude of 200m at airspeed of 270 kph fell to a fighter which came out of cloud - P Cap Antonio Nicoletti wounded, 2P S/M Augusto Santino wounded born 21-12-18, W/T Pr.Av. Salvatore Beggea dead, Eng. Pr.Av. Renato Badulli dead, A/G Serge Sabastian Nici ( just named no indication of fate). However still does not solve which airman Williamson guided the rescue launch to.
Also there was a further 'K' on P.1080 MM 22007 of 274 Sqd. which belly landed Algeria on 28-10-1942 the seven crew safe , however five including pilot Ten Giuseppe Floridi later captured as Allied Forces occupied Algeria.