Editing Macchi C.200 Saetta (section)

==Operational history==

===Introduction===
[[File:Macchi C.200 on ground.jpg|thumb|A Macchi C.200 on the ground]]

In August 1939, about 30 C.200 Saettas were delivered to the 10th ''Gruppo'' of the 4th ''Stormo'', stationed in North Africa.<ref name = "catt 5"/> However, pilots of this elite unit of the [[Regia Aeronautica]] opposed the adoption of the C.200, preferring the more manouvrable [[Fiat CR.42]] instead. Accordingly, the Macchis were then transferred to the 6th ''Gruppo'' of the 1st ''Stormo'' in Sicily, who were enthusiastic supporters of the new fighter, and to the 152nd ''Gruppo'' of the 54th ''Stormo'' in [[Vergiate]].<ref name = "catt 5"/> Further units received the type during peacetime, including the 153rd ''Gruppo'' and the 369th ''Squadriglia''.<ref name = "catt 5 6">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 5–6.</ref>

When Italy entered the war on 10 June 1940, 144 C.200s were operational, only half of which were serviceable.<ref name = "catt 3"/><ref name="de Marchi 1994"/> The re-equipment programme, under which the type would have been widely adopted, took longer than expected; and several squadrons were still in the process of being reequipped with the C.200 at the outbreak of war.<ref name = "catt 6">Cattaneo 1966, p. 6.</ref> Although the first 240 aircraft had been fitted with fully enclosed cockpits, the subsequent variants were provided with open cockpits at the request of the Italian pilots, who were familiar with the open cockpits that were commonplace amongst the old [[biplane]]s.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

===Service history===
The C.200 played no role in Italy's brief action during the [[Battle of France]].<ref name = "catt 6"/> The first C.200s to make their combat debut were those of the 6th ''Gruppo Autonomo'' C.T. (''caccia terrestre'', or land-attack fighter) led by ''Tenente Colonnello'' (Wing Commander) Armando Francois. This squadron was based at the Sicilian airport of [[Catania Fontanarossa]]. A ''Saetta'' from this unit was the first C.200 to be lost in combat when, on 23 June 1940, 14 C.200s (eight from 88<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'', five from 79<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' and one from 81<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'') that were escorting 10 [[Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero|Savoia-Marchetti SM.79s]] from the 11th ''Stormo'' were intercepted by two [[Gloster Gladiator]]s. Gladiator No.5519, piloted by Flight Lieutenant George Burges, jumped the bombers but was in turn attacked by a C.200 flown by ''Sergente Maggiore'' Lamberto Molinelli of 71<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' over the sea off [[Sliema]]. The Macchi overshot four or five times the more agile Gladiator which eventually shot down the ''Saetta''.<ref name="Gladiators over Malta">Cull and Galea 2008, pp. 46–47.</ref>

[[File:Macchi C.200.jpg|thumb|C.200 in flight]]

In September 1940, the C.200s of the 6th Gruppo conducted their first offensive operations in support of wider [[Axis powers|Axis]] efforts against the [[Mediterranean]] island of [[Malta]], escorting [[Junkers Ju 87]] dive-bombers.<ref name = "catt 6"/> On 1 November 1940 the C.200s were credited with their first kill, a British [[Short Sunderland|Sunderland]], on a reconnaissance mission, that was sighted and attacked just outside [[Augusta, Sicily|Augusta]] by a flight of ''Saettas'' on patrol.<ref name="Caruana">Caruana 1996, p. 166.</ref> With the arrival towards the end of December 1940 of X ''Fliegerkorps'' in Sicily, the C.200s were assigned escort duty for I/StG.1 and II/StG.2 Ju 87 bombers attacking Malta, as the ''Stukas'' did not have adequate fighter cover until the arrival of 7./JG26's Bf 109s.<ref>Caruana 1999, p. 169.</ref>

Soon after, British air power in the theatre was enhanced, especially by the arrival of the [[Hawker Hurricane]] fighter, which forced a redeployment of Italian forces in response.<ref name = "catt 6"/> Although considered to be inferior to the Hurricane in terms of speed, the C.200 had the advantage in terms of manoeuvrability, turn radius, and climb rate.<ref name = "catt 6"/> According to aviation author Bill Gunston, the C.200 proved effective against the Hurricane, delivering outstanding dogfight performance without any vices.<ref name="Gunston  1988, p. 255">Gunston 1988, p. 255.</ref>

While the Hurricane was faster at [[sea level]] ({{cvt|450|km/h}} vs the C.200's {{cvt|430|km/h}}, the ''Saetta'' could reach more than {{cvt|500|km/h}} at {{cvt|4500|m}}, although its speed dropped off at altitude: {{cvt|490|km/h}} at {{cvt|6000|m}} and {{cvt|350|km/h}} at {{cvt|7000|m}} with a maximum ceiling of {{cvt|8800|m}}. Comparative speeds of the Hurricane Mk I were {{cvt|505|km/h}} at {{cvt|5000|m}} and {{cvt|528|km/h}} at {{cvt|6000|m}}.<ref>Lembo 2000, p. 26.</ref> Over {{cvt|5000|m}} and at very low levels, only the huge Vokes (anti-sand) air filter fitted to the "tropical" variants slowed the Hurricane Mk II to Macchi levels. Although the Macchi C.200 was more agile than the Hurricane, it carried a lighter armament than its British adversary.

On 6 February 1941, the 4th ''Stormo'' received C.200s from the 54th ''Stormo''. Once the autorotation problems had been resolved, the Macchis were regarded as "very good machines, fast, manoeuvrable and strong" by Italian pilots.<ref name= "Duma p. 188.">Duma 2007, p. 188.</ref>  After intense training, on 1 April 1941, the 10th ''Gruppo'' (4th ''Stormo'') moved to [[Ronchi dei Legionari]] airport and started active service.<ref name= "Duma p. 190.">Duma 2007, p. 190.</ref> The C.200 subsequently saw action over [[Greece]], [[Yugoslavia]] and the Balkans, frequently engaging in dogfights with British Gladiators and Hurricanes over the Balkans.<ref name="de Marchi 1994"/>

===Yugoslavia===
[[File:Aerei in atterraggio.jpg|thumb|A Macchi C.200 Saetta during [[World War II]]. (From the private archive of the Riggio family)]]

C.200s from the 4th ''Stormo'' took part in operations against Yugoslavia right from the start of hostilities.<ref name = "catt 6 7">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 6–7.</ref> At dawn on 6 April 1941, four C.200s from 73<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' flew over [[Pula|Pola]] harbour and attacked an oil tanker, setting it on fire. Due to limited air resistance being encountered, sorties flown by the type in this theatre were usually limited to escorting and strafing.<ref name = "catt 7">Cattaneo 1966, p. 7.</ref>

The 4th ''Stormo'' flew its last mission against Yugoslavia on 14 April 1941: on that day, 20 C.200s from the 10th ''Gruppo'' flew up to {{cvt|100|km}} south of  [[Karlovac]] without meeting any enemy aircraft. Operations ended on 17 April. During those 11 days, the 4th ''Stormo'' did not lose a single C.200. Its pilots destroyed a total of 20 seaplanes and flying boats, while damaging a further 10. Additionally, they set on fire an oil tanker, a fuel truck, several other vehicles, and destroyed port installations.<ref name= "Duma pp. 190-192-193.">Duma 2007, pp. 190–193.</ref>

===North Africa===
Fitted with dust filters and designated ''C.200AS'', the ''Saetta'' saw extensive use in [[North Africa]], greater than any other theatre of war.<ref name = "catt 7"/> The Macchi's introduction was not initially well received by pilots; in 1940, the first C.200 unit, the 4th ''Stormo'', replaced the type with the C.R.42. The first combat missions were flown as escorts for [[Savoia-Marchetti SM.79]] bombers attacking [[Malta]] in June 1940, where one C.200 was claimed by a Gladiator. On 11 June 1940, second day of war for Italy, the C.200s of 79<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' encountered one of the Sea Gladiators that had been scrambled from [[Hal Far]], Malta. Flying Officer W. J. Wood claimed ''Tenente'' Giuseppe Pesola had been shot down, but the Italian pilot came back unscathed to his base.<ref name= "Malizia  pag. 28.">Malizia 2006, p. 28.</ref>

[[File:A formation of Macchi C.200s escorting bombers.jpg|thumb|left|A formation of Macchi C.200s escorting bombers, probably on a mission to [[Malta]] and [[Tobruk]].]]

During April 1941, the C.200s of the 374th ''Squadriglia'' became the first unit to be stationed on the North African mainland.<ref name = "catt 7"/> Further units, including the 153rd ''Gruppo'' and the 157th ''Gruppo'', were stationed on the mainland as Allied air power in the region increased in capability and numbers, including aircraft such as the Hurricane and the [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk|P-40 Warhawk]]. According to Cattaneo, the C.200 performed well under the conditions of the desert climate, particularly due to its high structural strength and short takeoff run.<ref name = "catt 7"/>

On 8 December 1941, Macchi C.200s of the 153rd ''Gruppo'' engaged Hurricanes from [[No. 94 Squadron RAF|94 Squadron]]. A dogfight developed, with the commanding officer, Squadron Leader Linnard, attempting to intercept a Macchi attacking a Hurricane. Both aircraft were making steep turns and losing height. But Linnard was too late, and the Macchi, turning inside the Hurricane, had already hit the Hurricane's cockpit area. The stricken aircraft turned over at a low level and dived into the ground, bursting into flames. Its pilot, the New Zealand-born RAF "ace" (six enemy aircraft destroyed and many more probably destroyed) Flight Lieutenant [[Owen Tracey]] was killed.<ref name="de Marchi 1994"/>

North African and Italian-based units were routinely rotated to relieve war-weary crews, aiding the resumption of an Axis offensive in the region during early 1942.<ref name = "catt 7"/> During this offensive, which led to Italian and German forces reaching the outskirts of [[Alexandria]], [[Egypt]], the C.200s were heavily engaged in bomber escort and low-altitude attack operations, while the newer C.202s performed high-altitude air cover duties.<ref name = "catt 7"/>

[[File:Saetta200.png|thumb|The [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]′s ''Saetta'' carries the markings of the ''[[Regia Aeronautica]]''′s 372<sup>a</sup> Squadriglia, 153rd Gruppo.]]

In addition to interceptor duties, C.200s frequently operated as fighter-bombers against both land and naval objectives. The North African theatre was the first in which the type had been intentionally deployed as a fighter-bomber.<ref name = "catt 7 8">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 7–8.</ref> During September 1942, the type was responsible for sinking the British destroyer {{HMS|Sikh|F82|2}}, as well as several smaller motor vessels, near [[Tobruk]], during [[Operation Agreement]], an attempted amphibious assault by Allied forces.<ref name = "catt 8">Cattaneo 1966, p. 8.</ref>

Following the decisive victory by [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] forces at [[El Alamein]], the C.200 provided cover for the retreating Axis forces, strafing advancing Allied columns and light vehicles.<ref name = "catt 8"/> However, operations by the type in the theatre were curtailed around this time by increasing shortages of spares, fuel, and components; losses in the face of numerically superior Allied air power also played a role in the rapid decline of deployable C.200s. During January 1943, many Italian aerial units were withdrawn from North Africa, leaving only a single unit operating the type.<ref name = "catt 8"/> Bomb-carrying C.200s were amongst those aircraft used during Axis attempts to resist the Allied occupation of the island of [[Pantelleria]]. However, early 1943 marked the end of the C.200's viability as an effective front-line fighter.<ref name = "catt 8"/>

===Eastern Front===
{{Main|Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia|Italian Army in the Soviet Union}}

In August 1941, the Italian air force command dispatched a single air corps, formed from the ''22º Gruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestre'' with four squadrons and 51 C.200s to the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]] with the [[Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia]]; it was the first contribution of the Regia Aeronautica to the campaign.<ref name= "Neulen p. 60.">Neulen 2000, p. 60.</ref> By 12 August 1941, all 51 C.200s had arrived at [[Tudora, Ștefan Vodă]], near [[Odessa]].<ref name = "catt 8"/> On 13 August 1941, commanded by ''Maggiore'' Giovanni Borzoni and deployed in 359<sup>a</sup>, 362<sup>a</sup>, 369<sup>a</sup>, and 371<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' ([[Flight (military unit)|Flights]]). On 27 August 1941, C.200s carried out their first operations from [[Kryvyi Rih|Krivoi Rog]], achieving eight aerial victories over Soviet bombers and fighters.<ref name= "Neulen pp. 60-62.">Neulen 2000, pp. 60–62.</ref>
For a short time, the 22nd ''Gruppo'' was subordinated to Luftwaffe V. Fliegerkorps.<ref name= "Neulen p. 62.">Neulen 2000, p. 62.</ref>
Subsequently, they took part in the September offensive on the [[Dnieper]]; and as the offensive continued they operated sporadically from airstrips in [[Zaporizhia|Zaporozhye]], [[Stalino]], [[Borvenkovo]], [[Voroshilovgrad]], [[Makiivka]], [[Oblivskaja]], [[Millerovo]], and their easternmost location, [[Administrative divisions of Voronezh Oblast|Kantemirovka]], moving to [[Zaporozhye]] late in October 1941.<ref name = "catt 8 9">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 8–9.</ref>

Maintaining operations became increasingly difficult as winter took hold, the unit having not been furnished with the necessary equipment for conducting low-temperature operations; accordingly, flying was often impossible throughout November and December.<ref name = "catt 9">Cattaneo 1966, p. 9.</ref> In December 1941, 371<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' was transferred to Stalino, but were replaced two days later by 359<sup>a</sup> with 11 C.200s. On 25 December, the C.200s flew low-level attacks against Soviet troops that had encircled the [[Blackshirts|Black Shirt Legion]] ''Tagliamento'', at Novo Orlowka; and 359<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' intercepted Soviet fighters over Bulawa, shooting down five without loss to themselves. On 28 December, pilots of 359<sup>a</sup> claimed nine Soviet aircraft, including six [[Polikarpov I-16]] fighters, in the Timofeyevka and Polskaya area, without loss.<ref name= "Neulen p. 62.">Neulen 2000, p. 62.</ref> According to Cattaneo, during the course of the three-day long 'Christmas battle', a total of 12 Soviet fighters were downed by C.200s with only a single friendly aircraft lost.<ref name = "catt 9"/>

During February 1942, weather conditions had improved enough to allow for the resumption of full operations.<ref name = "catt 9"/> From February onwards, the C.200 was employed in repeated attacks upon Soviet airfields at [[Krasny Liman|Liman]], Luskotova, and Leninski Bomdardir. On 4 May 1942, the 22º ''Gruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestre'' was withdrawn from active operation. The unit had flown 68 missions, taking part in 19 air combats and 11 ground attack missions. The 22º ''Gruppo'' was credited with 66 enemy destroyed, 16 probables, and 45 damaged and was awarded a ''Medaglia d'argento al valor militare'' (Silver Medal for military valor). The group was replaced by the newly formed 21º ''Gruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestre'', composed of 356<sup>a</sup>, 361<sup>a</sup>, 382<sup>a</sup>, and 386<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia''. This unit, commanded by ''Maggiore'' Ettore Foschini, brought new C.202s and 18 new C.200 fighters. During the [[Second Battle of Kharkov]] (12–30 May) the Italians flew escort for the German bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.<ref name="Neulen p. 63">Neulen 2000, p. 63.</ref>

In May, the aircraft's pilots received praise from the commander of the [[17th Army (Wehrmacht)|German 17th Army]], mostly for their daring and effective attacks in the [[Sloviansk|Slavyansk]] area.<ref name="Neulen pp. 63-64">Neulen 2000, pp. 63–64.</ref> During the German advance in summer 1942, the 21st ''Gruppo Autonomo C.T.'' transferred to [[Makiivka]] airfield, and then to [[Voroshilovgrad]] and Oblivskaya.

As time went on, the type was increasingly tasked to escort German aircraft. On 24 July 1942, the unit was shifted to [[Tatsinskaya Airfield]], with 24 ''Saettas''. Its main task was to provide escort for [[Junkers Ju 87|Stukas]] in the [[Don River (Russia)|Don Bend]] area, where there were few German fighters available. ''Hauptmann'' Friedrich Lang, ''Staffelkäpitan'' of [[Sturzkampfgeschwader 2|1./''StG'' 2]] reported the Italian escort as "most disappointing". The Saettas proved unable to protect the Stukas from Soviet fighters.<ref name= "Bergström-Dikov-Antipov p. 57.">Bergström-Dikov-Antipov- 2006, p. 57.</ref> On 25 and 26 July 1942, five C.200s were lost in aerial combat.<ref name= "Neulen p. 64.">Neulen 2000, p. 64.</ref> After only three days of action from Tatsinskaya, one-third of the Italian fighters had been shot down.<ref name="Bergström-Dikov-Antipov p. 57."/>

The following winter, the Soviet counter-offensive resulted in the mass retreat of Axis forces. By early-December 1942, only 32 ''Saettas'' were still operating, along with 11 C.202s. However, during the first 18 months of its use on the Eastern front, together with C.202s, the C.200 had claimed an 88 to 15 victory/loss ratio, during which it had performed 1,983 escort missions, 2,557 offensive sweeps, 511 ground support sorties, and 1,310 strafing sorties.<ref name = "catt 9"/>

Losses grew in the face of a more aggressive enemy flying newer aircraft. The last major action was on 17 January 1943: 25 C.200s strafed enemy troops in the [[Millerovo]] area. The aviation of the [[Italian Army in the Soviet Union|ARMIR]] was withdrawn on 18 January, bringing 30 C.200 and nine C.202 fighters back to Italy and leaving 15 unserviceable aircraft behind. A total of 66 Italian aircraft had been lost on the Eastern Front – against, according to official figures, 88 victories claimed during 17 months of action in that theatre.<ref name= "Bergström p. 122.">Bergström 2007, p. 122.</ref>

A summary of the Italian expeditionary force operations included 2,557 offensive flights (of which 511 with bombs drops), 1,310 strafing attacks, and 1,938 escort missions, with the loss of 15 C.200s overall. The top-scoring unit was 362<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'', commanded by [[Captain (land)|''Capitano'']]  Germano La Ferla, which claimed 30 Soviet aircraft shot down and 13 destroyed on the ground.<ref name= "de Marchi p. 8.">de Marchi 1994, p. 8.</ref>

===After the armistice===
Following the signing of the armistice, which resulted in Italy's withdrawal from the Axis, only 33 C.200s remained serviceable.<ref name = "catt 9"/> Shortly thereafter, 23 ''Saettas'' were transferred to Allied airfields in southern Italy, and flown for a short time by pilots of the [[Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force]]. In mid-1944, the C.200s of Southern Italy were transferred to the Leverano Fighter School. A lack of spare parts had made maintenance increasingly difficult, but the type continued to be used for advanced training until 1947.<ref name = "catt 9"/> A small number of C.200s were also flown by the pro-[[Nazi Germany|German]] [[Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana|National Republican Air Force]], based in northern Italy. The latter was only recorded as using the type for a training aircraft but using them for combat operations.<ref name = "catt 9"/>