US Army Air Force

Axis air convoy engaged

Allison collection

Caption of an official U.S. Army Air Forces photo, 1943: "This picture taken when a formation of U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 Mitchell bombers and an escort of P-38 Lightnings engaged an Axis air convoy of 35 planes over the Sicilian Straits recently and shot down 25 planes, shows Axis planes being riddled by machine gun fire during the attack. Note how splashes of water from shell fire of American plane (extreme left) almost engulfs lead Axis plane. American bomber (top) seems to be circling to resume attack. Twelve Axis transports almost at water level are under attack in this view". Victor Sierra