[Håkan]

Hello Robert,

Here is some info I have (Ludovico Slongo will probalby be able to provide more):

On 12 June, 21 SM 79s of the 32o Stormo, commanded by Generale di Brigata Aerea Stefano Cagna took off from Decimomannu at 14:10. They attacked the harbor and the nearby airbase of Bizerta-Karouba. Seven bombers returned damaged by the heavy AA. The French base suffered heavy damage. Escadrille E7 was destroyed on the ground, losing four aircraft burnt out or written off and one damaged out of its six Loire 70s.

At 10:10 on 21 June, an SM 79 from the 36o Stormo on a reconnaissance mission over Bizerte was intercepted by an enemy fighter. It was a Morane MS.406 from GC III/5 flown by Lieutenant Moran, who had managed to scramble in time and pursued the Italian aircraft as far as Dog’s Island, where he had to abandon the chase due to lack of fuel. The bomber was credited to Moran as a probable victory. The SM79, a 259a Sq. machine flown by Ten. Atti, had the central engine put out of action but was able to returned to base at 12:25 using the wing engines. Four members of the crew were wounded.

On 23 June, ten SM 79s from the 34o Stormo at Catania attacked shipping heading for Bizerta for the last time. Bad weather forced them to turn back with their bomb load intact.

Best wishes/Håkan