Italian Forces

In flight over Pisa

Italian bombers Savoia-Marchetti S.79 of 252nd Squadriglia flying in close formation over the town of Pisa. The 252nd was a Squadriglia of 104th Gruppo of 46th Stormo da Bombardamento (Bombardment Wing) formed at Pisa-San Giusto airfield on 15 February 1940 (Gruppi 104th and 105th equipped with S.79s). In the photo, taken some time after the entry in war of Italy (note the white band over fuselage) perhaps at the end 1940 or beginning 1941, is visible the Arno river which flow through Pisa. The 46th Stormo, afterwards transformed in torpedo bomber’s unit, is the director ancestor of today’s 46th Brigata Aerea“Silvio Angelucci” (Air Brigade) of Italian Air Force, still based at Pisa and equipped with transport aircrafts C-130J and C-27J Spartan. Victor Sierra