Fiat CR.42 Falco MM5701 13-95 95. Squadriglia/18. Gruppo (group)/56. Stormo, Corpo Aereo Italiano (Italian Air Force)
This Falco was built in 1940 and since September 1940 operated by 95. Squadriglia (squadron) at Novi Ligure airfield in Italy. In October 1940 was detached to Belgium as part of some 200 aircraft Corpo Aereo Italiano (CAI) to opearate in support of Luftwaffe during early phase Battle of Britain. Assigned to 95. Squadriglia / 18. Gruppo (group) / 56. Stormo (wing) operated from Maldegem airbase. On 11th November 1940 launched this Falco as part of escort bomber raid against Harwich, piloted by Sgt. Pietro Salvadori. Due to oil pipe failure force landed on the beach at Orfordness, Suffolk. Since 1942 was tested by British, than changed many airbases and in 1973-74 restored in St. Athan for museum purposes. | Rob Vogelaar