A Macchi MC.202 of the Italian Air Force’s 181st Gruppo burning after an Allied devastating raid against Reggio Calabria airfield (notice in background a MC.200 apparently not touched). The photo is dated 13 July 1943, but more likely is referred to 11 July 1943 raid which destroyed completely Reggio Calabria airfield and a great number of aircraft therein deployed. After the Sicily’s fall the 161st Gruppo (Squadriglie 162nd, 163nd and 164th) moved to North and at the date of 8 September 1943, announcement of the Italy’s armistice, it were deployed in Umbria Perugia and Castiglione del Lago airfields. Victor Sierra

Reggio Calabria, July 1943

A large Fiat car registered at Reggio Calabria (RC for Reggio Calabria) parked outside the airport’s enclosure at Reggio Calabria airport, 1940, likely before the Italy’s entry in the war. Beyond the enclosure a Regia Aeronautica’s S.81 bomber. La first Reggio Calabria’s runway, in front to Messina’s Strait, was open on 1939. During the WW2 at Reggio Calabria was based some Italian Air Force’s combat units. Today the Reggio Calabria’s airport, named Aeroporto dello Stretto (Strait’s Airport), is used by civilian airliners. Victor Sierra

Reggia Calabria Airport

 Guiseppe on the right North Africa WW II Seen here playing a diatonic button accordion which he used to entertain the troops.
