Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942
 

Hallo again

Since my first S.75 was solved so quickly, I thought I would try another one.
This time it concerns MM421/I-BURA which is reported as shot down on 28.3.1942 near Castelvetrano (Capo Granitola)

I checked Shores' books but can't find any clues in there.
Someone with an idea what happened here?

B Rgds
Stig

Re: Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942 (plus 15.11.1942)
 

PS:
And while you are checking there is also a report of MM416/I-TELO being shot down on 15.11.1942 while flying from Tunis to Castelvetrano (or reverse)

Anyone who knows more about that incident?

B Rgds
Stig

Re: Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942
 

Do you have more details on the Italian side for 15 November 1942 ?

There was no claim off Tunisia by Allied aircraft, but apparently it was a day of bad weather and at least 5 Allied aircraft disappeared in the same: four Beaufighters of 46 Sqn flying from Gibraltar to Malta, and a Spitfire of 249 Sqn sent to search them. The Spitfire pilot and two full Beaufighter crews were not found, and so one MAY have met the S.75 and dispatched it, but bad weather is also a strong option.

Re: Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942
 

Sorry Laurent

All I have is a checklist of the S.75 production with these incidents noticed.
I read what Shores lists in Fighters over Tunisia, and weather is as you say an option.

B Rgds
Stig

Re: Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942
 

On 15 november 1942 two S.75 went lost due to enemy action: MM 416 of Nucleo comunicazioni LATI and MM 60369 SA-22 of the Sezione Autonoma SAS. They were flying from Tunis to Castelvetrano. All cre,embers were MIA.

ciao

Gianandrea

Re: Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942
 

Thanks Gianandrea (again :) )

What's makes you (or perhaps Italian historians) so sure that both losses were due to 'enemy action'?

So far I have not been able to locate anything that can be linked to any air-air engagement. What about the weather?

B Rgds
Stig

Re: Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942
 

What's makes you (or perhaps Italian historians) so sure that both losses were due to 'enemy action'?

The cause of the losses is indicated as such in official 1942 R. Aeronautica documents. I may assume that both aircraft managed to send some sort of emergency message with the mention that they were under attack.

ciao

Gianandrea

Re: Another SIAI S.75 lost on 28.3.1942
 

OK Gianandrea I understand.

Thanks
Stig