Italian Forces

Over the Aegean Sea

Two Italians bombers Cant-Z-1007bis “Alcione” of 210th Squadriglia, 50th Gruppo, 16th Stormo photographed by another aircraft of same type in mission over Agean Sea, Spring 1941. The most important victim of 50th Gruppo’s aircraft was the British destroyer HMS Juno bombed and sunk about 30 nautical miles south-east off Crete in position 34º35'N, 26º34'E on 21 May 1941 by five Cant-Z-1007bis. The Juno, deployed on Aegean Sea with other warships to intercept the invasion craft on passage to Crete to carry out landings, was hit by three bombs which split ship in two abaft the bridge structure sinking her in less than two minute. 116 of ship’s company lost their live. 96 survivors were rescued, by three Royal Navy’s warship, but five of those later died. Victor Sierra