SM81 loss 26/9/41
 

Hi,

Does anyone have details on the loss of an SM81 on 26/9/41. The aircraft was reportadly shot down when it attacked Kufra Oasis by a Gladiator flown by Sgt Ron Walter.

Any help would be appreciated.

Alex

Re: SM81 loss 26/9/41
 

Hi Alex!
In the brandnew book "Il Savoia Marchetti S.M. 79 nel secondo conflitto mondiale" (SM79 in the Second World War") by Cesare Gori, I read that on 26 september 1941 a S.M. 79 of the 174a Squadriglia R.S.T. with the unit commander Cap. Ronzi made a long recce fligth from Gialo, overflying
Cufra, Robiaia and Bir Zighen. A short combat with two Gladiator from Cufra happened during this mission but no damage to the aircraft is mentioned.

I think that the claim made by Sgt Walter is probably related to this mission.

Best Regards

Gianandrea Bussi

Re: SM81 loss 26/9/41
 

Hi Gianandrea,


Thanks for the info. It sounds like a very interesting book.

Alex

Re: SM81 loss 26/9/41
 

The book is published by the Italian Air Force Historical Office:
http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/Sit...=615&idente=74

Best Regards

Gianandrea Bussi