Mediterranean Sea, September 17, 1940: an SM.79 of Regia Aeronautica preparing to attack the British light cruiser HMS Liverpool subsequent an attack on the heavy cruiser HMS Kent. In the night September 17/18, 1940, while returning to Alexandria from bombardment of Bardia,  HMS Kent was hit by a torpedo launched by an SM.79 of the 279th Squadriglia Autonoma Aerosiluranti led by Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia. The ship was towed with great difficulty by the destroyers to Alexandria. In Kent was given temporary repairs at Alexandria from 19 September to 18 October 1940 to allow her to return to the United Kingdom. In turn the Liverpool was torpedoed twice by SM.79. Victor Sierra.


Attack

Another pic from different side. People look the wreck of the combat. For people who know Rome, the building on the left is the Bank of Italy, in backgrounds is visible the Vittoriano. We are in via Nazionale, in the full center of Rome. I discovered this event only by these pics. There very few source about this little bellic event. If anyone can help with information, for example saying which US unit and/or RSI one sew this combat, is welcome. DVX

Sherman vs Camionetta sahariana 2

From an US  Intelligence report on the Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM-79 torpedo bomber and its tactics, (Intelligence Bulletin, January 1943 ):  "Torpedo squadrons are believed to have the highest morale of all units of the Italian Air Force. Their efficiency is such that Germany has sent squadrons to Italy for instructions in torpedo tactics. Italian aircraft torpedoes are believed to be superior to those of German design and are probably used by the German Air Force". In the picture: a S.79 dropping his torpedo against a British battleship of Mediterranean Fleet while, on the left, another S.79 disengaging after the attack. Victor Sierra.