Fiat G50 Freccia in Benghazi

Mondariz,
There was very little stuff still lying about in the “bundoo” in Cyrenaica in the early 50’s. I never saw any aircraft – just the odd ‘bits’. BUT – if there was any stuff lying about that the local Scrap Boys had not removed then you knew that even they considered it “Too Dangerous” to go and get! And don’t forget that there were, in those days, still millions of mines (both anti-tank and anti-personnel) scattered about (and still maybe for all I know!). Some of the oil exploration guys may be able to help you! They ranged far and wide (“Lady Be Good” for example!)
Every 3 months there was a Libyan Govt Heavy Convoy from Benghazi or Tobruk to resupply the oasis stations at Jalo, Giarabub, and Kufra. These convoys also carried meteorological supplies for the Desert Outstations – which was my connection. They were transported in huge (Italian origin?) diesel lorries. These would return “empty”, but were known to pick up “scrap” on the way back. This would have been accumulated by the local wandering Bedouin tribes. I spent some considerable time over (in the El Adem Station Flight Pembroke), and on (in the El Adem Desert Rescue Column), much of at least the northern part of Cyrenaica. It was easy to see where airfields/battles had been (piles of rusting jerry cans, etc, etc) but there was precious little evidence of (possible) recoverable aircraft parts.
Having said that, however, I’ll bet there is still the odd airframe somewhere in the Bundoo! Unlikely I know, ‘cos if the Oily Boys haven’t discovered it then it’s got to be pretty remote!! But much of, particularly, southern Cyrenaica is VERY remote. Been there, done it.
HTH
Resmoroh

Beautiful, Richard! I shall put in on
http://l.garey.googlepages.com/benghazigraveyard

Thanks

In Colour

As promised, managed to trace the colour drawing much quicker than I thought, so here it is. Reference is to 351-12, MM.6385.

COPYRIGHT R.J. Caruana

Thanks Laurence, replied.

Not that I know of. I do not even know who cleared the “graveyard” and when. But the WW2 Italian and German experts on the forum might know.

I’m pretty sure the graveyards were cleared at some stage, but surely there are wrecks scattered across the desert.

Recoveries from Libya

Not that I know of. I do not even know who cleared the “graveyard” and when. But the WW2 Italian and German experts on the forum might know.

Has anything ever been recovered from Libya?

Airart: PM

Richard: I just sent you a PM

Thanks again Richard. Your web site is beautiful. I wish I could be transported back to Benghazi 1943, but I guess it might be too hot (from several points of view), and I would regret it.
Tony has a great collection of photos of that time, which he allowed me to use on my site. But he nearly always managed to stand in front of the serial of his planes! A great man.
I look forward to your next post!

Laurence

Hi Laurence. Saw your post this morning and replied from home where I don’t have any scanning facilities. Will be at the studio Tuesday after the Easter break. Quite honestly I’m surprised with the amount of material on the site and need time to ‘digest’ the wonderful pics! Also loved the 203 Sqn Baltimores, being an honorary member of the squadron.
(see: http://rjcaviationart.googlepages.com/home)

You’ll see more from me next week.

Richard

Thanks for those links. Great pictures and text.

Thanks Richard. I should be very pleased if you can produce the colour picture you mention. If you do, with your permission, I shall add it to my web page.
So it was Squadriglia 351. Only the “51” appears in Tony’s photo but I believe 151 used the G50 also. It is good to know the story of the unit. I should also like to add this data to my site, if you do not mind, and I shall acknowledge your input.
Benghazi must have been an amazing place in 1943. What did you think about the “Atlantici”?

Laurence

G.50

HI,

This is a very interesting photo, and so is the site your links lead to. Many thanks.

The G.50 comes from 351 Squadriglia, 155 Gruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestre that was based at Derna in April 1941. I do not have the serial for 351-6 shown in the picture, but another machine from the same unit was MM.6385 coded 351-12 in the same scheme and carrying the same unit badge. The overall scheme consists of Nocciola Chiaro uppersurfaces with very sparse Verde Oliva Scuro mottling; undersides were in Grigio Azzurro Chiaro. Engine cowling and spinner were finished in yellow and the badge was carried (handed) on both sides. The latter consisted of a light blue shield with a ‘hunter’ with gun in hand and trailing a bag with some sort of dead fowl in it, and the palm tree in the background.

I had produced a full colour profile, together with a detail of the badge, for my book ‘Camouflage & Markings-Italian Air Forces-1935-1945’ published by Modelaid International (1987), p.16. Not easy to find. Will try to scan and post over the next few days.

Richard J. Caruana