An Italian Regia Aeronautica S.79 crossing the Sicilian coasts under a strong MC.200’s fighter escort for a day mission over Malta. The Macchi fighter’s presence – first version with enclosed cockpit and sliding canopy – date back this photo to Autumn 1940 when the MC.200, solved its troubles, was again declared combat ready. The use of MC.200 “Saetta” in place of CR.42s allowed in part a best clash with the RAF’S fighters now increasingly Hawker Hurricanes in place of few and obsolescent Gloster Sea Gladiators. Victor Sierra

Under a strong fighter’s escort

Vertical aerial photograph taken during a bombing attack by Italian Air Force on Hal Far airfield, Malta, 1940. Bombs are seen exploding on the installations in the northern corner of the airfield and over its eastern perimeter. Victor Sierra

Italian bombs against Malta

The Reggiane Re.2001 number 4 of the 2nd Gruppo Caccia’s 152nd Squadriglia of Italian Regia Aeronautica’s returned to its Sicilian base heavy damaged after a fierce fight with the RAF over Malta, Summer 1942. This little fighter, armed with four machine guns on the standard version, two 12,7 mm on the nose and two 7,7 mm on the wings, engine the DB601, was mainly employed over Malta from May 1942 also in collaboration with the MC.202s sharing the duties: Re.2001s bombers direct escort, MC.202s the indirect escort on altitude. During the campaign of 1942, within the space of a month, the 2nd Gruppo had two leaders KIA: Lieut. Col. Aldo Quarantotti, on 12 July, and Maggiore Pier Giuseppe Scarpetta, on 14 August. Victor Sierra