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Italian activity on 4 March 1943
Hello, I have two question about the Italian air force activity around Tunisia on 4 March 1943.
1) The 82d Fighter Group listed Lt Harry S. Gasaway as missing in action following a pass by two "Italian Fiat G-50s" at a 97th Fighter Squadron formation flying over the sea NW of Rass Ben Sakka between 0845 and 0900 hours.
In "Fighters over Tunisia" (rather outdated now), Shroes link the above loss with a claim for a P-38 by Ltn. Alfred Hammer of II./JG 53, but the time of the claim is 1512 hrs, six hours later. Even given the time difference between US and German reports, this is too much.
So maybe this P-38 was shot down by an Italian fighter. Does someone know a corresponding Italian claim ?
2) Still according to "Fighters over Tunisia", an MC 200 flown by Serg. Lorenzo Balbo was seen to dive straight into the sea near Zembra Island for no apparent reason while flying from Tunis to Pantellaria. No units is given and I would like to know which unit this aircraft was belonging to. The serial number of the MC 200 would be a bonus.
Thanks in advance
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