Italian Forces

Was Italian the first Stukas over Malta

IMC Archives

The first Stukas view over Malta was Italian. Phased out the twin engine dive bomber SM.85, a disastrous airplane never employed in operational missions, the Regia Aeronautica, late Summer 1940, deployed in Sicily for the air offensive against Malta the first Junkers Ju.87Bs (nicknamed “Picchiatelli” by the Italian aviators) received directly by the Luftwaffe. First mission (likely the overall first dive bombing over Malta): afternoon 5 September 1940, five Ju.87B of the 96th Gruppo took off from Sicily for attack a ship on roadstead at Malta harbor noticed by a recce morning flight. Not spotting the target, perhaps departed, the Stukas raided with 500 kg bombs the Fort Delimara, a fuel storage, a torpedo storage and a little steamer a Marsa Scirocco Bay. The latter wasn’t hit, the bombe which hit the torpedo storage likely not exploded, but Delimara and the fuel storage was hit. No AA reaction observed. 15 September: twelve “Picchiatelli”, escorted by CR.42 and MC.200 fighters, bombed Hal Far airfield. The crews reported many burst and large blazes over the target and an attack of two British fighters without result. A fierce clash occurred on 17 September: the target of twelve Ju.87B, escorted by CR.42s and MC.200s, were Mikabba, (or Miqabba) airfield: the Stukas crews reported heavy damages over the airfield and three aircraft likely destroyed on the ground. During the pull-up the Italian dive bombers was attacked by some British fighters which eluded the Italian fighters: a Stuka down, another returned in Sicily with the gunner killed. The Italians lost also a CR.42 while the Regia Aeronautica’s crews claimed two enemies fighters, one down over the ground, the other on the sea. In Autumn the Regia Aeronautica’s Ju.87Bs was retired from the Sicily for transfer on the Balkan theater. Victor Sierra