Italian aircraft in Libya

[Stig Jarlevik]

Hi All

Located this photo of a Caproni Ca 97 and IMAM Ro 1 aircraft
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/122567617023...6S2AZHC04R2PWE

As usual the seller is making wild guesses.
The code H reveals they are from Homs airbase in eastern Libya.

Before anyone think I was good enough to know this, I have to disappoint you. I had no idea
what that H stood for!
So I asked Gregory Alegi who knows this in his sleep. The Ca 97 is actually a gem.
At least it is the first time he sees such a coded Ca 97.

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Hi Stig,


I hope you find this one currently on delcampe interesting too,though a fuller view of the aircraft would have been nice. Another African based Italian machine. I assume that the So. in the serial refers to Somalia as it is captioned as being taken at Mogadisco.


https://www.delcampe.net/fr/collecti...132547081.html



Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

....and what type is it Clint?

I hate close ups! My initial reaction was Ansaldo, but it doesn't really fit....

Must confess I also wonder why that white line is over the guy's face. He looks like a criminal
so nobody today can recognize him. Fat chance....after 88 years....

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Stig,


Its a three-pseat field mod of a IMAM Ro.1. Here's another


https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/...ssinia-lf-172/


I guess the So marking is not as unusual as I thought.


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Clint

I just found it myself in the book Ali Italiane in Africa Orientale.
The unit was Squadriglia RT, Gruppo Autonomo Somala based at both Gorrahei, Neghelli and Danane

As I said, I hate close ups....

Cheers
Stig

PS: In a book I have there are photos of So.3, So.5 and So. 9. Since the Squadriglia had 9 aircraft I suppose they were coded So.1 to So.9