Italian Forces

Swordfish captured by Italians

Fleet Air Arm Archiive

Another Fairey Swordfish fell into Italian hands was the aircraft K8403 E4M of Fleet Air Arm’s 813 Squadron from HMS Eagle forced to land on Scarpanto Island, at the time, 4 September 1940, occupied by Italians. The K8403 was hit by Italian fighters CR.42s during raid on Maritza airfield, Rhodes, and the crew was take POW. The captured Swordfish was transferred at Guidonia in December 1940 (on the photo). It was kept serviceable till the middle of 1941 using spare parts coming from another captured Swordfish, the K8422 (4H), to it of HMS Eagle and to it lost on raid on Maritza airfield, 4 September 1940. The crew was taken POW by Italians and the aircraft was captured and made serviceable. Flown by 68th Squadriglia of 34th Gruppo Bombardamento for liaison duties until June 1941. Victor Sierra