Italian Forces

MC.202 of “Black Cat”

The Macchi MC.202 “Folgore” fuselage code 378-4 of 155th Gruppo’s 378th Squadriglia, Italian Air Force. The 155th Gruppo at the beginning an autonomous fighter unit (155th Gruppo Autonomo Caccia), from April 1942 was assigned to 51st Stormo Caccia “Black Cat”. The presence of the “Black Cat” with three green mouse, 51st Stormo’s emblem, over the fuselage date therefore this photo, taken on an Italian airport, after April 1942. Note, also, the radio mast’s absence and the engine cowling’s color different from the “continental” camouflage of entire airplane, sign of use of an engine cowling coming from another aircraft. Victor Sierra