An Italian torpedo-bomber S.79 waiting for next mission. Note the asymmetrical position of torpedo Whitehead under the fuselage. The S.79 had two strongpoints for the torpedo, but usually only one was carried to avoid the decline of the performance because the weight of weapon (over 870 kg). Unit and location of this photo unknown. Victor Sierra

Waiting for the mission

A red flag for the “cleared for taxiing and take-off” to a Savoia-Marchetti S.79 torpedo bomber of an Italian Regia Aeronautica’s unit based at Rhodi Island, Aegean Front, end Summer 1940. The man bare-chested with the flag and the two officers wearing shorts and the comfortable military jacket knew like “Sahariana” (few years ago arised again from ladies and men’s fashion) give and idea of the climate of this side of Mediterranean Theater Operational. Victor Sierra

Cleared for taxiing

Aircraftmen refueling, with drum, pump and hosepipe, an Italian Regia Aeronautica’s bomber Cant-Z-1007bis “Alcione” on an Italian airport. Note the livery, completely in dark olive drab, of aircraft. Victor Sierra