After the service in the Spanish civil war on the CR32 fighters, strangely our sergente Tarantola passed to dive bombers, serving in the 239a squadriglia flying on Picchiatelli (Italian Stukas). In this photo taken in may 1941 by the rear gunner, a perfect shot of Tarantola over British mechanized forces in North Africa.

From fighters to bombers

Sergente Maggiore of Regia Aeronautica Ennio Tarantola during his service in Spain. Here on 01/20/1938 he got his first victory, a Republican I 15 Chato. DVX

Photographic history of an Ace

Allied cargo sunk by Tarantola's squadron, the 239a squadriglia bombardamento a tuffo. On july 29th 1941 Tarantola hit with a perfect shot the Australian destroyer Waterhen, later finished by his squadron and other German bombers. The next day Tarantola was downed and he and his gunner remained 18 hours at the mercy of sea before being rescued by a seaplane. After this experience Tarantola asked to be reassigned to fighters. DVX