Captured Macchi details

I came across an interesting photograph of two Macchi 200’s contained in a letters page in a magazine from New Zealand.

The article is available on-line (You do need to create an account first to view the file download): http://www.pacificwingsmagazine.com/content/airmail-87

The text alongside the article reads:

The account and photographs of the RNZAF receiving their first Macchis (May WINGS), prompted some memories from well known Manawatu homebuilder and ex-wartime aircrew member Rex Thompson.

“Could not help thinking that these beautiful new high-tech Italian advanced trainers are not the first aircraft from the Macchi stable to carry the markings of the Commonwealth armed forces or as it was then, the British and Allied Armed Forces.”

“Serving as a wireless operator/air gunner with 614 Squadron, flying Blenheims out of Sicily in 1943/44, l was fortunate to capture what could possibly be the only pictures in existence of Macchi 202 fighter aircraft in flight with roundels markings on their sides.”

Rex, along with his crew, was detailed to fly to Cagliari on Sardinia to receive the surrender of an Italian fighter squadron at the time of the Capitulation.

“Shortly after we landed at Cagliari, the full squadron was paraded in front of their Macchi 202 aircraft, which were parked in a perfect line. In a short but quite touching ceremony, the Italian squadron commander surrendered his credentials of authority to our skipper.”

Rex then had the job of checking that all weaponry was unloaded on the Macchi 202s and roundels painted on for the ferry flight to Sicily. En route the Blenheim positioned itself for some Kodak Brownie photography from the Blenheim’s gun turret.

The top photo at least is of two Macchi C.200’s rather than 202’s as in the text as they have radial engines.

Does anyone know what Italian unit the aircraft would be from ?

It is a shame the photos are such low resolution since they look like they have some interesting markings. I couldn’t find any similar photos elsewhere after a quick search