[Laurent Rizzotti]

Hello,

On 19 March 1941 ten S.79s of 34° and 92° Gruppo BT escorted by five CR42s attacked shipping in Suda Bay, Crete, and were intercepted by 3 Fulmars and a Buffalo of 805 Sqn. In the following battle Sub Lt Kay, a Fulmar pilot, shot down a S.79 flown by Ten Mario Catalano of 34° Gruppo and was seen to damage two other bombers before colliding with a fourth. The Fulmar crashed in the sea and both crew were killed. The bomber that he had collided managed to reach Scarpanto airfield and crash-land there. He was destroyed but only one crew was wounded.

I have found that Ten Mario Catalano was awarded a posthumeous "Medaglia d'Argento al valore militare", gazetted on 27 November 1941 with the following text:
"Bomber commander having already distinguised himself in previous risky missions, during a bombing raid on an enemy naval base, his aircraft was attacked by four fighters. The crew cooperated effectiley, with indomitable courage, and shot down one of the them. The bomber was overwhelmed and repeatedly hit and fell in flames, the crew giving their young lifes for the destiny of Italy. Sky of the Eastern Mediterranean, 19th of March
1941-XIX."

In the same Gazetta, five other airmen have the same citation (except their crew position):
GIORI Ezio, da Milano, Sergente maggiore pilota
MARCARELLI Carlo, da Napoli, Primo aviere marconista
MARCUCCI Aldo, da Brindisi, Primo aviere fotografo
REALE Giovanni, da Ferrazzano (Campobasso), Primo aviere armiere
TRUOSOLO Salvatore, da Avema, Primo aviere motorista

I guess that the above six men were all part of the shot down crew, but can someone confirm it ?

I would also like to know the serials of both S.79 lost, and their squadriglia and Gruppo (for the second).

Thanks in advance