Savoia Marchetti SM. 79 I (K)

[drifter206]

Hello all
In mid 1939 Kingdom of Yugoslavia ordered 45 of Savoia Marchetti SM.79 I from Italy. Delivery was completed in late 1939. and version for Yugoslavia was SM 79 K.

In Yugoslavia they were given serial numbers (evidencijski broj) from 3701 to 3745. Some of them were lost before April war 1941 (Invasion of Yugoslavia) and some of them participated heavily during the invasion.

Four were taken by RAF and one was taken by Croatian independent state (NDH). (RAF AX 702-705) (NDH 0701 - ex. 3706)

During war one SM 79. landed at Gruda airfield near Dubrovnik, probably damaged during action where it was later repaired by the Italians and taken away.
You can see picture on this site

http://dati.acs.beniculturali.it/SecondaGuerraMondiale/


What is the story behind this SM 79. and where it went later on?

And also what are production numbers (Italian) for Yugoslav SM. 79 K?

p.s. Happy holidays and best wishes in 2019.


as always, thanks in advance
Antun