Northrop P-61B-2-NO "Black Widow" of USAAF’s 414th Night Fighter Squadron based in Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. The aircraft of the photo, #42-39486, was lost when crashed near Reggiolo, (Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy) in the night of April 22, 1945. At this time the 414th NFS, which replaced the their Beaufighters with P-61s in Dec.1944, were based at Pontedera, Tuscany. Victor Sierra

"Black Widow" in Italy

Tirana airfield (Tiranë-Laprakë), Albania, 24 October 1943: the attack made by 36 North American B-25 medium bomber of the USAAF’s 321st Bombardment Group, 57th Bomb Wing, took-off from Grottaglie Airdrome, Southern Italy, loaded with 20 lbs fragmentation bombs. The American bombers raided the target from 10/11,000 ft observing about 25 enemies airplane in aircraft boneyard at NW and 25/30 other on field including 15 He 111 and Ju 52 at SW corner plus transports parked on field parallel to runway, and 5/6 around perimeter. 13 German aircraft was claimed destroyed. B-25 lost: none. Victor Sierra

Tirana airfield raided

Doubtful Doris”, the Northrop P-61B-6 “Black Widow” Serial No. 42-39532, of the USAAF’s 414th Night Fighter Squadron. The first components of the 414th arrived in Algeria and later in Tunisia from a RAF OUT in England in the Summer 1943, but in November 1943 the Squadron is in Sardinia, Elmas airfield, Cagliari, where will based until 22 June 44 with a Detachment in Corsica, Ghisonaccia and Borgo, and another again in Sardinia, Alghero airfield. On 12 October 1944 the 414th moved to Tuscany, at Pisa, until 25 November 1944, and Pontedera, 25 November 1944-15 July 1945 with a Detachment in Belgium, at Florennes. Waiting the P-61 the 414th NFS was equipped with British-built Bristol Beaufighter with them achieved 8 of the 13 victories claimed. The firs P-61 was received on 20 December 1944 and the first kill, a Ju 88, date on 4 February 1945. The five victories achieved with P-61 was two Ju 88, one Me 410 and two Ju 52. Victor Sierra