British Forces

Recce Spitfires in Italy

Two Recce Spitfires of No 682 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron RAF at San Severo Airfield, Foggia Airfield Complex, Southern Italy, September 1944 in their PRU Blue finish. The aircraft "F" is a PR. XIX with a Griffon engine. Formed on 1 February 1943 at Maison Blanche, Algeria from No. 4 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) RAF, the No 682 Squadron supported the invasion of Italy and carried out sorties over Yugoslavia including special reconnaissance for army and commando operations. In 1944 the squadron began to target southern France and it moved detachments to France in September 1944, receiving the Spitfire PR.XIX. It returned to cover the Italian campaign and also operated over Greece. With the war over the Squadron carried survey flights until it was disbanded on 14 September 1945 at Peretola, Florence. Italian bases: San Severo December 1943-September 1944 with detachments at Pomigliano,Alghero, Nettuno, Voltone, Follonica, Malignano plus detachments in France (Le Luc, Y.23/Valence, Lyons-Bron and Dijon), last Italoan base Florence-Peretola. Aircraft employed: April 1943-September 1945 Spitfire PR.XI September 1944-September 1945 Spitfire PR.XIX Victor Sierra