One for our Italian experts!

[Brian]

Hi guys

Sometime in April 1943, Hurricanes of 253 Squadron enountered a formation of SM79 torpedo bombers attempting to attack a convoy off the North African coast. Four of the SM79s were claimed shot down. What were the losses? The unit involved? Identities of crews? And, of course, the date?

Any help will be appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Gianandrea Bussi]

Hi Brian!
Perhaps you are looking for this episode:
on 5 april 1943 4 S.79 lead by Cap. Ernesto Brambilla leaved their Sardinian base at 18.05 but didn't came back.

Souece Storia degli Aerosiluranti italiani by C. Unia

[Gianandrea Bussi]

All the 4 missing S.79 had a torpedo and belonged to 205a Sq. 41° Gruppo AS.

Best regards

Gianandrea

[Brian]

Hi Gianandrea

Many thanks - that could well be the unit involved.

Best wishes from rainy Suffolk

Brian

[Stig Jarlevik]

Funny

I just checked Fighters over Tunisia. on April 5th, it says, "From Sardinia four SM 79 took off in the early evening to attack targets in the Bougie area, all failed to return. No reason for their loss has been discovered".

What about it Guys. Do we add up 1 + 1 into 2 or what??

Cheers
Stig

PS: Brian, Gothenburg ain't much better weather wise, I can tell you. Bet good old Gianandrea is sitting outside somewhere sipping his tasty evening wine, while we are back right into our caves....

[Brian]

Hi Stig

I don't know about you, but I'm sitting here also sipping my tasty
evening wine! The weather can't stop that!

Cheers
Brian

[Stig Jarlevik]

Hmmmm

I must confess I just did the same, but differing from Gianandrea I am doing it inside my cave, because sitting outside would just make me wet and miserable. Had a very tasty baked Salmon as a side kick as well, so I am feeling pretty good, as long as I don't have to stick my nose out....

Cheers
Stig

PS: Your typical British comments always me feel pretty good...

[Gianandrea Bussi]

Sorry, I don't drink any wine....

Gianandrea

[Brian]

Stig & Gianandrea

No offence Gianandrea but I will forsake the sun if I have to bring my own bottle, and will share Stig's wine (home brew?) in his cave. Hey, Stig, any Troll women round your way?

Gianandrea (and perhaps Ludovico) have you any additional details about the four SM79s that FTR on 5 April 1943? Crew identities? Fates? Aircraft serials? I am hoping to find more from 253 Squadron's ORB about this action (assuming it's pilots were responsible for the demise of the SM79s), and plan to include this in a future project.

Cheers
Brian

[Gianandrea Bussi]

Sorry, I've not got any addictional detail.
I could eventually search for them when I'll go to the It.AF Historical Office.

Gianandrea