Håkans Aviation page - Fiat CR.42 in Regia Aeronautica service

Fiat CR.42 in Regia Aeronautica service

Fiat CR.42s from the 10^o Gruppo of the 4^o Stormo CT in North Africa.
The left aircraft is from 91^a Squadriglia while the right is from the 90^a Squadriglia.
The unit emblems were painted on the aircraft at Goriza before departing for North Africa.
The images are taken after 12 June 1940 since the Caproni in the left picture is carrying a white cross on the rudder and this marking was applied on this date.
The left photo also shows the tail unit of a third CR.42 from the 9^o Gruppo C.T. with a prancing horse. Thus the image is taken after July 1940 when the 9^o Gruppo joined the 10^o Gruppo in Africa. Regarding the place only two possibilities exist, El Adem or Bengasi Berka, the only two airbases big enough to have a concrete platform as the one present in the photo.
© Renato Zavattini

Fiat CR.42 units in the Regia Aeronautica

Gruppos

Gruppo Squadriglie Stormo Bases and missions Serials Notes

3^o 153^a, 154^a, 155^a 6^o 24/07/41 - Soman (Tripolitania) - CE, DF, NF, GA
??/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF, GA
??/01/42 - El Merduma (Tripolitania) - DF, GA
29/01/42 - Sidi Omar (Egypt) - DF, GA
??/02/42 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - CE, NF, DF, GA
??/05/42 - Benghasi K3 (Cirenaica) - DF
10/05/42 - Martuba 5 (Cirenaica) - GA, DF MM7203, MM7515, MM7630. From January 1941 the CR.32 was gradually replaced by the CR.42. The older aircraft ceased operations around April.

7^o 76^a, 86^a, 98^a 5^o ??/07/42 - Araxos (Greece) - CE, DF, AE, NF Used some CR.42CNs as night-fighters during the summer of 1942.

8^o 92^a, 93^a, 94^a 2^o 03/06/40 - Tobruk T2 (Cirenaica) - DF, CE, AE
22/07/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - TG
20/08/40 - Derna (Cirenaica) - DF
06/09/40 - Gambut (Cirenaica) - DF, AR
12/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF
19/09/40 - Uadi el Menastir (Cirenaica) - DF, AE
15/12/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - IT
20/12/40 - Mirafiori (Italy) - TG
20/01/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG, DF, NF
??/04/41 - Oria Manduria (Italy) - DF, NF
??/05/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - DF, NF, CE MM4390, MM5542, MM5543 Started to convert to the MC.200 in February 1941.

9^o 73^a, 96^a, 97^a 4^o 10/06/40 - Goriza (Italy) - TG
??/06/40 - Torino Mirafiori (Italy) - AE, AR
01/07/40 - Comiso (Sicily) - AE, AR
11/07/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - TG
??/08/40 - Benghasi (Cirenaica) - DF
??/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF, AE MM4383, MM4393, MM5020,
MM5021, MM5599, MM5605,
MM5650. This was the first unit to receive the new MC.200 in 1940 but the pilots preferred their CR.42s, so they swapped aircraft with 1^o Stormo! The unit transferred finally to the MC.200 in the end of 1940.

10^o 84^a, 90^a, 91^a 4^o 10/06/40 - Tobruk T2 (Cirenaica) - DF
??/06/40 - Benina (Cirenaica) - DF
??/06/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - DF
??/08/40 - Bir el Gobi (Cirenaica) - DF
??/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF, AE
??/09/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - DF, AE MM4306, MM4332, MM5516,
MM5567, MM5552. This unit had used the CR.42 since September 1939 and was very fond of it. So when the new MC.200 arrived in 1940 the pilots decided, along with their soulmates in 9^o Stormo to retain the biplane, passing the monoplane to 1^o Stormo. The unit transferred finally to the MC.200 in early January 1941.

12^o 159^a, 160^a 50^o 21/05/43 - Castelvetrano (Sicily) - DF, CE, AR Used some CR.42s during the summer of 1943. This ground attack unit was then occupied with local defence and convoy escorts.

13^o 77^a, 78^a, 82^a 2^o 10/06/40 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - TG
19/06/40 - Tobruk T2 (Cirenaica) - DF, AE, GA
08/08/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - DF
16/09/40 - Gambut (Cirenaica) - DF, AE, GA
18/09/40 - Tmimi (Cirenaica) - DF, AE, GA
??/02/41 - Jesi (Italy) - DF
??/06/41 - Genova (Italy) - AN, AR MM4387 Started the war using both the CR.32 and the CR.42. Re-equipped with the MC.200 in October 1941.

16^o 167^a, 168^a, 169^a 54^o 01/08/42 - Crotone (Sicily) - DF, NF, CE Used some CR.42s during the summer of 1942. The CR.42s were perhaps used as night-fighter complement to the units MC.200s and MC.202s?

18^o 83^a, 85^a, 95^a 3^o, 56^o 10/06/40 - Novi Ligure (Italy) - GA, AE, AR
09/07/40 - Mirafiori (Italy) - TG
06/10/40 - Monaco (Monaco) - IT
17/10/40 - Darmstadt (Germany) - IT
19/10/40 - Ursel (Belgium) - AE, AR
10/01/41 - Frankfurt (Germany) - IT
13/01/41 - Pisa (Italy) - TG
29/01/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - CE
30/01/41 - Mellaha (Tripolitania) - CE
12/02/41 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - DF
07/04/41 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - DF
10/08/41 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - IT
10/08/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - IT MM4306, MM4326, MM4332,
MM4336, MM4337, MM4353,
MM4366, MM4372, MM4379,
MM4449, MM4462, MM5662,
MM5665, MM5666, MM5667,
MM5668, MM5676, MM5688,
MM5694, MM5701, MM5703,
MM6976, MM6978. This unit was temporarily transferred to 56^o Stormo for operations over the English Channel. Re-equipped with MC.200s in late summer of 1941.

23^o 70^a, 74^a, 75^a 3^o, Autonomo 09/06/40 - Cervere (Italy) - GA, AE, DF
21/06/40 - Torino Mirafiori (Italy) - IT
22/06/40 - Villanova d'Albenga (Italy) - DF
25/06/40 - Torino Mirafiori (Italy) - TG
09/07/40 - Campiglia (Italy) - IT
09/07/40 - Capodichino (Italy) - IT
10/07/40 - Regio Calabria (Italy) - IT
11/07/40 - Comiso (Sicily) - AE, DF, AR
16/12/40 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - IT
19/12/40 - Ain el Gazala (Cirenaica) - IT
20/12/40 - Derna (Cirenaica) - DF, AE
01/01/41 - Ain el Gazala (Cirenaica) - DF, AE
05/01/41 - Tmimi (Cirenaica) - AE
06/01/41 - Derna (Cirenaica) - AE
07/01/41 - Berka (Cirenaica) - AE, DF
09/01/41 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - DF
04/02/41 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - DF
07/02/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - DF
01/03/41 - Comiso (Sicily) - DF, AE, AR
19/04/41 - Pantelleria (Sicily) - CE
21/06/41 - Boccadifalco (Sicily) - DF, NF, TG
12/12/41 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - DF
13/12/41 - Misurata (Tripolitania) - CE
24/12/41 - Trapani Milo (Sicily) - DF MM4361, MM4368, MM4382, MM7046, MM7613.
74^a Squadriglia:
MM7046: 12/06/41 Escort; STen Vittorio Bertoccini shot down and KiA.

The Gruppo became Autonomo on 9 July 1940 and took part in the attacks on Malta. Received their first MC.200s during the summer of 1941 but didn't finally re-equip with this fighter until the winter of 1941-42.

24^o 354^a, 355^a, 361^a, 370^a, 395^a Autonomo 19/07/41 - Monserrato (Sardinia) - DF, AE
??/08/42 - Monserrato (Sardinia) - DF, AE, AR, CE MM7195, MM7594
MM7594: 14/06/42 Shot down by enemy fighters off Sardinia.

Used some CR.42s when the Gruppo was based at Sardinia as a complement to their usual G.50s when longer range was needed. 361^a and 395^a Squadriglias left the Gruppo during the summer of 1941 to become Autonomos.

46^o 20^a, 21^a 15^o ??/05/42 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG
28/08/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - CE
??/09/42 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - GA
16/09/42 - Bu Amud (Cirenaica) - GA
01/11/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - GA, DF
18/11/42 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - GA
??/01/43 - Zuara (Tripolitania) - IT
19/01/43 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG
??/05/43 - Siena (Italy) - TG
21/05/43 - Capoterra (Sardinia) - CE, GA
16/07/43 - Pontedera (Italy) - GA
28/07/43 - Firenze Peretola (Italy) - TG MM8952
21^a Squadriglia:
MM8952: 19/11/42 Damaged on landing, S.Ten Angelo Mazzei safe.

This ex -bomber Gruppo converted to the CR.42 when then unit became an attack unit in May 1942.

47^o 53^a, 54^a 15^o ??/05/42 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG
28/08/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT
07/09/42 - Bu Amud (Cirenaica) - CE
??/09/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - CE
??/09/42 - Barce (Cirenaica) - CE, DF
09/11/42 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - DF
13/11/42 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - GA, DF
25/11/42 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA, DF
??/01/43 - Zuara (Tripolitania) - IT
08/01/43 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG
21/05/43 - Oristano (Sardinia) - GA
16/07/43 - Pontedera (Italy) - GA
28/07/43 - Firenze Peretola (Italy) - TG MM8910, MM8977, MM8993.
54^a Squadriglia:
MM8910 (54-5): 14/09/42 Crashed probably hit by AA; Serg Ettore Mura KIA
MM8977: 19/11/42 Hit by ground fire, crash-landed, Ten Raffaele Giusto safe.
MM8993 (54-12): 06/09/42 Destroyed at Benghazi K1, Serg Jago Chendi WIA

This ex -bomber unit converted to the CR.42 when then unit became a attack unit in May 1942 and joined 15^o Stormo Assalto.

59^o 232^a, 233^a 41^o, Autonomo 23/12/41 - Treviso (Italy) - TG, NF
??/01/43 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG, NF
21/05/43 - Metato (Italy) - NF
10/06/43 - Ciampino (Italy) - NF
16/07/43 - Littoria (Italy) - NF
30/07/43 - Lagnasco (Italy) - NF
07/08/43 - Venegono (Italy) - NF This ex -bomber unit converted to night fighter duties using among their aircraft the CR.42CN. The Gruppo became Autonomo in June 1943.

60^o 234^a, 235^a 41^o, Autonomo 23/12/41 - Treviso (Italy) - TG, NF
21/10/42 - Lonate Pozzolo (Italy) - TG, NF
??/04/43 - Venegono (Italy) - NF MM9128 This ex -bomber unit converted to night fighter duties using among their aircraft the CR.42CN. The Gruppo became Autonomo in June 1943.

101^o 208^a, 238^a 5^o 04/06/42 - Ciampino Sud (Italy) - IT
05/07/42 - Capodichino (Italy) - IT
06/07/42 - Gerbini Nord (Sicily) - CE
15/07/42 - Pantelleria (Sicily) - CE
21/07/42 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - IT
24/07/42 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - IT
24/07/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT
25/07/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - CE
22/08/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA, NF, AR, NB
31/10/42 - Abu Smeit (Egypt) - CE, AR, NB
05/11/42 - Bir el Astas (Egypt) - IT
06/11/42 - Bu Amud (Cirenaica) - AR
11/11/42 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - AR
13/11/42 - En Nofilia (Tripolitania) - AR
04/12/42 - Buerat (Tripolitania) - IT
06/12/42 - Misurata (Tripolitania) - IT
08/12/42 - Gerbini (Sicily) - IT MM8883, MM8890, MM8903,
MM8936.
238^a Squadriglia:
MM8883: 29/09/42 Damaged, Serg Magg Alvise Dell’Avanzo safe.
MM8890: 26/08/42 Temporarily loaned to the 4^o Stormo.
MM8890: 27/09/42 Crashed at Abar Nimeir for u/k reason, STen Luigi De Regis KIA.
MM8903: 31/08/42 Shot down by AA fire in the Alam el Haifa area, Serg. Magg. Nicolò Gentile POW but DOW.
MM8936: 27/10/42 Shot down into the sea, Serg Magg Urbano Suzzi MiA.

This unit, an ex-Stuka unit, received their first CR.42s (assault version) on 27 April 1942. In December 1942 the unit transferred back to Italy where it started to re-equip with Fiat G.50Bs.

150^o 363^a, 364^a, 365^a 53^o, Autonomo 10/06/40 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - DF, AE
23/10/40 - Valona (Albania) - DF, AE MM5579, MM5590, MM6928.
364^a Squadriglia:
MM6928 (364-11):

This unit received the CR.42 in May 1939. The unit became Autonomo on 23 October 1940. During the late autumn and winter of 1940 the started to convert to the MC.200.

151^o 366^a, 367^a, 368^a 53^o, Autonomo 10/06/40 - Casabianca (Italy) - DF, AE
08/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF
??/12/41 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - DF
22/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF
??/12/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - IT MM4272, MM4295, MM4314,
MM4325, MM4331, MM5655,
MM5580, MM5589, MM6255,
MM6257, MM7617, MM7621,
MM7634.
387^a Squadriglia:
MM6255: 14/07/42 Failed to return, Ten G. Battista Modica baled out, picked up with broken legs by Italian troops, DOW four days later

This unit was the first to receive the CR.42, in March 1939. The unit became Autonomo on 23 October 1940. Re-equipped with the G.50bis in January 1942.

153^o 372^a, 373^a, 374^a Autonomo ??/11/40 - Brindisi (Italy) - DF
??/12/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG The unit used nine CR.42 together with its ordinary MC.200s during the Yugoslav campaign. In December 1941 372^a Squadriglia used CR.42s in Libya for intercepts and ground strafing. When the Gruppo returned to Italy they replaced the aircraft with MC.200s and MC.202s.

154^o 361^a, 395^a, 396^a Autonomo 19/07/41 - Grottaglie (Italy) - DF, NF
10/10/41 - Crotone (Italy) - DF, NF, CE
??/05/42 - Rodi Gadurra (Aegean) - DF, NF, CE, AR The Gruppo was reformed on 19 July 1941 and used CR.42s for night fighter duties and G.50s for day fighter duties.

156^o 379^a, 380^a Autonomo 20/01/41 - Comiso (Sicily) - AE The unit disbanded on 8 April 1941.

157^o 384^a, 385^a, 386^a 1^o, Autonomo 10/06/40 - Trapani Milo (Sicily) - AE MM5024 Became Autonomo at the end of July 1940. Replaced their CR.42s with MC.200s on 9 December 1940.

158^o 236^a, 387^a, 388^a Autonomo ??/12/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - TG
10/05/42 - Aviano (Italy) - TG
13/05/42 - Benghasi K3 (Cirenaica) - GA
26/05/42 - El Ftehja (Cirenaica) - GA
??/06/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - GA
26/06/42 - Sidi Barrani (Egypt) - GA
30/06/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA
29/10/42 - Martuba 4 (Cirenaica) - CE
11/11/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT
12/11/42 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF
15/11/42 - Buerat (Tripolitania) - GA, CE
07/12/42 - Aviano (Italy) - TG
??/05/43 - Osoppo (Italy) - GA MM4307, MM5059, MM5656, MM7629, MM8467,
MM8491, MM8496, MM8497, MM8938, MM8940.
236^a Squadriglia:
MM8496.

387^a Squadriglia:
MM8491: 27/10/42 Caught fire after forced landing 60km SE El Daba, Cap Bruno Rossoni WiA.
MM8938: 11/11/42 Destroyed at Martuba.
MM8940: 08/11/42 Damaged at Arae Philaenorum.
MM8940: 12/11/42 Set on fire by own troops.

388^a Squadriglia:
MM5656: 12/11/42 Lost, M.llo Vincenzo Colli KIA.

The unit formed as an Assalto unit in December 1941. 236^a Squadriglia joined the unit on 9 February 1942 and was the last of the Squadriglias to use the CR.42 but handed over them in June 1943 when the whole unit had re-equipped with G.50bis.

159^o 389^a, 390^a, 391^a 50^o 04/05/42 - Aviano (Italy) - TG
25/05/42 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - GA
28/05/42 - El Ftehja (Cirenaica) - GA
??/06/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - GA
24/06/42 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - GA
26/06/42 - Sidi Barrani (Egypt) - GA
30/06/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA, AE, AR
15/09/42 - Benghasi K3 (Cirenaica) - TG, AR
??/09/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA
29/10/42 - Martuba 4 (Cirenaica) - CE
11/11/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT
12/11/42 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF
15/11/42 - Buerat (Tripolitania) - GA, CE
10/12/42 - Misurata (Tripolitania) - DF, GA
18/12/42 - Gars Garabulli (Tripolitania) - GA
??/01/43 - Zuara (Tripolitania) - GA
15/01/43 - Aviano (Italy) - TG MM5006, MM5018, MM5046,
MM5059, MM5514, MM5600,
MM7493, MM7528, MM7619,
MM7625, MM7655, MM8479,
MM8527, MM8528, MM8529,
MM8542, MM8544, MM8545,
MM8572, MM8828, MM8844,
MM8845, MM8846, MM8848,
MM8851, MM8853, MM8856,
MM8857, MM8858, MM8859,
MM8860, MM8861, MM8862,
MM8863, MM8866, MM8867,
MM8868, MM8891, MM8921,
MM8929, MM8939.
389^a Squadriglia:
MM8851: 27/10/42 Force-landed near El Daba, recovered; Serg Magg Costante Cipitelli safe.
MM8856: 27/10/42 Hit in combat, force-landed and later recovered; Ten Mario Aimi safe.
MM8867 (389-11):

390^a Squadriglia:
MM5600: 12/11/42 Already damaged and set on fire by own troops at Martuba.
MM8544: ??/12/42 Destroyed in North Africa, probably after the retreat from El Alamein.
MM8857: 12/1142 Already damaged and set on fire by own troops at Martuba.

391^a Squadriglia:
MM8847: 10/07/42 11:00-12:20 Shot down by enemy fighters; Serg Pasquale Rivolta KIA.
MM8853: 12/11/42 Crashed near Mersa Brega, Serg Magg Dario Baltolu KIA.
MM8921: 27/10/42 14:10-15:05 Ground attack; Ten Vodret - 1 destroyed and 1 damaged P-40.

Re-equipped with G.50bis in January 1943.

160^o 375^a, 393^a, 394^a Autonomo 10/06/40 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, AE
28/10/40 - Drenova (Albania) - DF, AE
29/10/40 - Devoli (Albania) - DF, AE
10/04/41 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, AE
14/06/41 - Treviso (Italy) - TG
11/08/41 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - DF
20/12/41 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - GA
22/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - GA
??/01/42 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA
??/03/42 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - GA
??/07/42 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA
15/11/42 - Perugia (Italy) - TG
24/03/43 - Decimomannu (Sardinia) - DF, AE, CE
01/04/43 - Olbia-Venafiorita (Sardinia) - DF, AE, CE
06/10/43 - Elmas (Sardinia)
15/10/43 Disbanded MM5671, MM7029, MM7541,
MM7543, MM7546, MM7548,
MM7551, MM7554, MM7627,
MM7756. 375^a Squadriglia joined the Gruppo in February 1941. The unit received some G.50s during 1941. At the end of September, the unit hadn't any CR.42s left and it wasn't equipped with any more until March 1943. At the end of the war, they still had two CR.42s serviceable.

161^o 162^a, 163^a, 164^a Autonomo 11/06/41 - Rodi Marizza (Aegean) - DF, CE
??/03/43 - Palermo (Sicily) - DF MM3542, MM3545, MM7180,
MM7475. Re-equipped with G.50bis and MC.200 during the spring 1942. In March 1943 they used two CR.42CNs for night-fighter missions.

167^o 300^a, 303^a Autonomo 10/05/42 - Ciampino (Italy) - NF, DF
??/??/43 - Grottaglie (Italy) - NF
??/05/43 - Ciampino Sud (Italy) - NF MM7584 In May 1942 this unit was equipped with CR.42CN, CVF.5, MC.200, CVF.4, G.50, CVF6 (all fighters) and Ca.164, Ca.313 (trainers) at the same time! In the beginning of June 1943, the unit ceased using the CR.42CNs and only using RE.2001CNs.

171^o 301^a, 302^a Autonomo 01/10/41 - Gela (Sicily) - NF This was the first nightfighter unit to form but they were disbanded already in November 1941 when the Germans took over their base.

Battaglione Aviazione Sahariana 26^a, 99^a ??/07/42 - Hon (Tripolitania) - AR, DF This unit was formed to protect the oases in the south of Libya. By January 1943 the unit didn't have any CR.42s left.

Autonomo Squadriglias

Squadriglia Bases and missions Serials Notes

110^a ??/01/41 - Dire Daua (Ethiopia) - AR, DF
24/03/41 - Gimma (Ethiopia) - AR, DF Received four CR.42s on 17 January 1941 to strengthen its low numbers of Ro37bis'. The unit evacuated Gimma on 5 June 1941 at which time no aircraft were serviceable.

161^a ??/06/41 - Rodi (Aegean) - DF, CE Replaced their Ro.44s and Ro.43s with CR.42s in June 1941. The unit was possibly equipped with MC.200s and G.50s in November 1942.

163^a 10/06/40 - Marizza (Aegean) - DF
??/04/41 - Gadurra (Aegean) - DF, GA, AE MM5549 The squadriglia joined 161^o Gruppo on 11 June 1941.

236^a ??/01/41 - Mitsurata (Tripolitania) - DB, GA
??/11/41 - Agedabia (Cyrenaica) - GA
??/12/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA
25/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - GA
15/01/42 - El Merduma (Tripolitania) - GA
??/01/42 - Agheila (Cyrenaica) - GA
29/01/42 - Agedabia (Cyrenaica) - GA
09/02/42 - Benghasi K2 (Cyrenaica) - GA MM4394 Used mostly the Ju 87R in January 1941 but re-equipped to only use the CR.42AS on 3 November 1941.

300^a ??/??/41 - Ciampino (Italy) - NF MM7584 This unit formed from the Sezione Caccia Noturne at Guidonia, for the night fighter defence of Rome. From January to May 1942 they came under the control of 51^o Stormo, then joined 167^o Gruppo.

375^a 01/02/41 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, AE
??/12/41 - Agedabia (Cyrenaica) - DF, GA
??/01/42 - En Nofilia (Tripolitania) - DF, GA MM7029 Formed for operations against Yugoslavia. Joined 160^o Gruppo in January 1942.

376^a 20/04/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG
??/04/41 - Ciampino (Italy) - TG
21/05/41 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - GA, TG
08/08/41 - Ain el Gazala (Cyrenaica) - GA
15/11/41 - Bir Hacheim (Cyrenaica) - GA
25/11/41 - Ain el Gazala (Cyrenaica) - GA MM5036, MM7942 Returned to Naples in Italy in November 1941 and re-equipped with MC.200s.

377^a ??/09/42 - Sciacca (Sicily) - TG Used CR.42s for night-fighter duties and anti-submarine patrols from September 1942 to February 1943 as a complement to their Re.2000s and MC.200s.

392^a 01/03/43 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, GA, CE
24/06/43 - Airport 917? (Albania) - CE, DF Formed from the Caccia Terrestre based at Tirana in 1943. Also flew G.50bis, MC.200 and Ro41.

412^a 10/06/40 - Massaua (Eritrea) - DF, AE
??/08/40 - Agordat (Eritrea) - DF
??/09/40 - Asmara (Eritrea) - DF
30/09/40 - Gura (Eritrea) - DF
??/10/40 - Barentu (Eritrea) - DF
??/01/41 - Gura (Eritrea) - AE, GA
16/03/41 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF, AE
22/03/41 - Asmara (Eritrea) - DF
31/03/41 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF
07/04/41 - Alomata (Ethiopia) - DF, GA, AR
??/04/41 - Gimma (Ethiopia) - DF, AE
??/06/41 - Gondar (Ethiopia) - DF MM4305, MM4044, MM4282, MM4404, MM4455, MM5523, MM5527
MM4305: 12/06/40 Damaged in combat with Wellesleys from 223 Squadron. Ten Mussolin safe.
MM4044: 03/06/40 Aircraft seriously damaged in flight accident at Gura. Pilot uninjured.
MM4282: 04/06/40 Aircraft damaged in flight accident at Gura. Pilot uninjured.
MM4404: 04/06/40 Crashed.
MM4455: 26/06/40 08:45- Damaged in combat with Wellesleys over Gura. Ten Mussolin WiA.
MM5523: 12/06/40 Damaged in combat with Wellesleys from 223 Squadron. Pilot unknown.
MM5527: 12/06/40 Shot down after combat with Wellesleys from 223 Squadron. Serg Perini WiA.

Last fighter of the unit made a strafing attack in the Kulkaber area on 22 November 1941. Four days later it was burnt to prevent capture.

413^a 10/06/40 - Assab (Ethiopia) - TG, DF
??/07/40 - Dire Daua (Ethiopia) - DF
??/08/40 - Gondar (Ethiopia) - DF
??/09/40 - Adi Ugri L.G. (Ethiopia) - DF
??/09/40 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF
??/09/40 - Addis Abeba (Ethiopia) - DF
28/03/41 - Gauani (Ethiopia) - DF, AE
??/04/41 - Addis Abeba (Ethiopia) - DF
05/04/41 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF, GA
07/04/41 - Sciasciamanna (Ethiopia) - DF, GA
??/04/41 - Gimma (Ethiopia) - DF, AE MM4033 Last known action by the unit was on 9 July 1941.

414^a 10/06/40 - Gura (Eritrea) - DF, AE
28/06/40 - Assab (Ethiopia) - DF, AE The unit lost its last six CR.42s in a raid on Assab on 10 July 1940. The unit ceased to exist after this.

Abbrevations
AE: Aerial escort duties
AR: Armed reconnaissance duties
CE: Convoy escort duties
DB: Day bombing duties
DF: Day fighting duties
GA: Ground attack duties
IT: In transit
NB: Night bombing duties.
NF: Night fighting duties
TG: Training duties

If anyone has more information about the use of the CR.42 in the Regia Aeronautica during the Second World War and especially the serial numbers on CR.42 in specific Squadriglias, please feel free to contact me!

Sources:
3^o Stormo, storia fotografica - Dai biplani agli aviogetti - Carlo Lucchini and Leproni Enrico, 1990 Gino Rossato Editore
53^o Stormo - Marco Mattioli, 2010 Osprey Publishing, Oxford, ISBN 978-1-84603-977-5
Aerei Modellismo no. 2 1997 kindly provided by Jean Michel Cala.
A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945: Volume One – Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello with Russell Guest, 2012 Grub Street, London, ISBN 978-1908117076
A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945: Volume Two – Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello with Russell Guest, Frank Olynyk & Winfried Bock, 2012 Grub Street, London, ISBN-13: 9781909166127
Battle over Malta - Anthony Rogers, 2000 Sutton Publishing Limited, Gloucestershire, ISBN 0-7509-2392-X
Caccia assalto - Emilio Brotzu and Gherardo Cosolo, 1973, kindly provided by Massimo Cappone.
Courage Alone - Chris Dunning, 1998
CR42 (Ali e Colori n^o1) - Giorgio Apostolo, La Bancarella Aeronautica, Torino 1995 kindly provided by Jean Michel Cala.
Desert Prelude: Early clashes June-November 1940 - Håkan Gustavsson and Ludovico Slongo, 2010 MMP books, ISBN 978-83-89450-52-4
Desert Prelude: Operation Compass - Håkan Gustavsson and Ludovico Slongo, 2011 MMP books, ISBN 978-83-61421-18-4
Diario Storico 84^a Squadriglia kindly provided by Ludovico Slongo.
Diario Storico 366^a Squadriglia kindly provided by Ludovico Slongo.
Faisceaux Italiens Sur La Manche (2ème Partie) - Cynrick De Decker, 1999 Avions no. 80 November 1999 kindly provided by Jean Michel Cala
Fiat CR.42 - Aerei Modellismo n°5/1999 kindly provided by Jean Michel Cala.
Fiat CR.42 - Replic Magazine n°50-10/1995 kindly provided by Jean Michel Cala.
Fiat CR.42 - Giorgio Apostolo, 1995
Fiat CR.42 Aces of World War 2 - Håkan Gustavsson and Ludovico Slongo, 2009 Osprey Publishing, Oxford, ISBN 978-1-84603-427-5
Fighters over Malta – Brian Cull and Frederick Galea, 2018 Fonthill Media, ISBN 978-1-78155-663-4
FlyPast, February 1989
I caccia a motore radiale: FIAT CR 42 - Nino Arena, 1979, kindly provided by Massimo Cappone.
I Cavalieri Erranti - Ludovico Slongo, Stefan Lazzaro, Eugenio Eusebi, Michele Palermo and Danilo Ventura, 2023, ISBN 978-88-87952-37-7
Italian Aces of World War 2 - Giovanni Massimello and Giorgio Apostolo, 2000 Osprey Publishing, Oxford, ISBN 1-84176-078-1
La 391^a Squadriglia Assalto da Bir Hacheim ad Augusta (1942-1943) - Ferdinando Pedriali, 1980 Aerofan Lug./Set. 1980.
La Bataille de France (4e partie) les combats franco-italiens 10 juin-25 juin 1940 - Batailles Aériennes n°11, Lela Presse January 2000 kindly provided by Jean Michel Cala.
La Battaglie Aeree In Africa Settentrionale: Novembre-Dicembre 1941 – Michele Palermo, IBN, ISBN 88-7565-102-7
Malta: The Spitfire Year 1942 - Christopher Shores and Brian Cull with Nicola Malizia, 1991 Grub Street, London, ISBN 0-948817-16-X
Quelli del Cavallino Rampante - Antonio Duma, 1981 Editore Dell'Ateneo, Roma, kindly provided by Stefano Lazzaro
Regia Aeronautica: periodo prebellico e fronti occidentali - Angelo Emiliani, Giuseppe Ghergo and Achille Vigna, 1975, kindly provided by Massimo Cappone.
The Fireflies of Rhodes - Nicola Malizia, Aeroplane Monthly February 2000
Additional information by Roger Juglair kindly provided by Ferdinando D'Amico.
Additional information kindly provided by Massimo Cappone, Roger Juglair, Stefano Lazzaro, Pierpaolo Maglio and Ludovico Slongo.

Last modified 14 October 2024

Gruppo	Squadriglie	Stormo	Bases and missions	Serials	Notes
3^o	153^a, 154^a, 155^a	6^o	24/07/41 - Soman (Tripolitania) - CE, DF, NF, GA ??/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF, GA ??/01/42 - El Merduma (Tripolitania) - DF, GA 29/01/42 - Sidi Omar (Egypt) - DF, GA ??/02/42 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - CE, NF, DF, GA ??/05/42 - Benghasi K3 (Cirenaica) - DF 10/05/42 - Martuba 5 (Cirenaica) - GA, DF	MM7203, MM7515, MM7630.	From January 1941 the CR.32 was gradually replaced by the CR.42. The older aircraft ceased operations around April.
7^o	76^a, 86^a, 98^a	5^o	??/07/42 - Araxos (Greece) - CE, DF, AE, NF		Used some CR.42CNs as night-fighters during the summer of 1942.
8^o	92^a, 93^a, 94^a	2^o	03/06/40 - Tobruk T2 (Cirenaica) - DF, CE, AE 22/07/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - TG 20/08/40 - Derna (Cirenaica) - DF 06/09/40 - Gambut (Cirenaica) - DF, AR 12/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF 19/09/40 - Uadi el Menastir (Cirenaica) - DF, AE 15/12/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - IT 20/12/40 - Mirafiori (Italy) - TG 20/01/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG, DF, NF ??/04/41 - Oria Manduria (Italy) - DF, NF ??/05/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - DF, NF, CE	MM4390, MM5542, MM5543	Started to convert to the MC.200 in February 1941.
9^o	73^a, 96^a, 97^a	4^o	10/06/40 - Goriza (Italy) - TG ??/06/40 - Torino Mirafiori (Italy) - AE, AR 01/07/40 - Comiso (Sicily) - AE, AR 11/07/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - TG ??/08/40 - Benghasi (Cirenaica) - DF ??/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF, AE	MM4383, MM4393, MM5020, MM5021, MM5599, MM5605, MM5650.	This was the first unit to receive the new MC.200 in 1940 but the pilots preferred their CR.42s, so they swapped aircraft with 1^o Stormo! The unit transferred finally to the MC.200 in the end of 1940.
10^o	84^a, 90^a, 91^a	4^o	10/06/40 - Tobruk T2 (Cirenaica) - DF ??/06/40 - Benina (Cirenaica) - DF ??/06/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - DF ??/08/40 - Bir el Gobi (Cirenaica) - DF ??/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF, AE ??/09/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - DF, AE	MM4306, MM4332, MM5516, MM5567, MM5552.	This unit had used the CR.42 since September 1939 and was very fond of it. So when the new MC.200 arrived in 1940 the pilots decided, along with their soulmates in 9^o Stormo to retain the biplane, passing the monoplane to 1^o Stormo. The unit transferred finally to the MC.200 in early January 1941.
12^o	159^a, 160^a	50^o	21/05/43 - Castelvetrano (Sicily) - DF, CE, AR		Used some CR.42s during the summer of 1943. This ground attack unit was then occupied with local defence and convoy escorts.
13^o	77^a, 78^a, 82^a	2^o	10/06/40 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - TG 19/06/40 - Tobruk T2 (Cirenaica) - DF, AE, GA 08/08/40 - Berka (Cirenaica) - DF 16/09/40 - Gambut (Cirenaica) - DF, AE, GA 18/09/40 - Tmimi (Cirenaica) - DF, AE, GA ??/02/41 - Jesi (Italy) - DF ??/06/41 - Genova (Italy) - AN, AR	MM4387	Started the war using both the CR.32 and the CR.42. Re-equipped with the MC.200 in October 1941.
16^o	167^a, 168^a, 169^a	54^o	01/08/42 - Crotone (Sicily) - DF, NF, CE		Used some CR.42s during the summer of 1942. The CR.42s were perhaps used as night-fighter complement to the units MC.200s and MC.202s?
18^o	83^a, 85^a, 95^a	3^o, 56^o	10/06/40 - Novi Ligure (Italy) - GA, AE, AR 09/07/40 - Mirafiori (Italy) - TG 06/10/40 - Monaco (Monaco) - IT 17/10/40 - Darmstadt (Germany) - IT 19/10/40 - Ursel (Belgium) - AE, AR 10/01/41 - Frankfurt (Germany) - IT 13/01/41 - Pisa (Italy) - TG 29/01/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - CE 30/01/41 - Mellaha (Tripolitania) - CE 12/02/41 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - DF 07/04/41 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - DF 10/08/41 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - IT 10/08/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - IT	MM4306, MM4326, MM4332, MM4336, MM4337, MM4353, MM4366, MM4372, MM4379, MM4449, MM4462, MM5662, MM5665, MM5666, MM5667, MM5668, MM5676, MM5688, MM5694, MM5701, MM5703, MM6976, MM6978.	This unit was temporarily transferred to 56^o Stormo for operations over the English Channel. Re-equipped with MC.200s in late summer of 1941.
23^o	70^a, 74^a, 75^a	3^o, Autonomo	09/06/40 - Cervere (Italy) - GA, AE, DF 21/06/40 - Torino Mirafiori (Italy) - IT 22/06/40 - Villanova d'Albenga (Italy) - DF 25/06/40 - Torino Mirafiori (Italy) - TG 09/07/40 - Campiglia (Italy) - IT 09/07/40 - Capodichino (Italy) - IT 10/07/40 - Regio Calabria (Italy) - IT 11/07/40 - Comiso (Sicily) - AE, DF, AR 16/12/40 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - IT 19/12/40 - Ain el Gazala (Cirenaica) - IT 20/12/40 - Derna (Cirenaica) - DF, AE 01/01/41 - Ain el Gazala (Cirenaica) - DF, AE 05/01/41 - Tmimi (Cirenaica) - AE 06/01/41 - Derna (Cirenaica) - AE 07/01/41 - Berka (Cirenaica) - AE, DF 09/01/41 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - DF 04/02/41 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - DF 07/02/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - DF 01/03/41 - Comiso (Sicily) - DF, AE, AR 19/04/41 - Pantelleria (Sicily) - CE 21/06/41 - Boccadifalco (Sicily) - DF, NF, TG 12/12/41 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - DF 13/12/41 - Misurata (Tripolitania) - CE 24/12/41 - Trapani Milo (Sicily) - DF	MM4361, MM4368, MM4382, MM7046, MM7613. 74^a Squadriglia: MM7046: 12/06/41 Escort; STen Vittorio Bertoccini shot down and KiA.	The Gruppo became Autonomo on 9 July 1940 and took part in the attacks on Malta. Received their first MC.200s during the summer of 1941 but didn't finally re-equip with this fighter until the winter of 1941-42.
24^o	354^a, 355^a, 361^a, 370^a, 395^a	Autonomo	19/07/41 - Monserrato (Sardinia) - DF, AE ??/08/42 - Monserrato (Sardinia) - DF, AE, AR, CE	MM7195, MM7594 MM7594: 14/06/42 Shot down by enemy fighters off Sardinia.	Used some CR.42s when the Gruppo was based at Sardinia as a complement to their usual G.50s when longer range was needed. 361^a and 395^a Squadriglias left the Gruppo during the summer of 1941 to become Autonomos.
46^o	20^a, 21^a	15^o	??/05/42 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG 28/08/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - CE ??/09/42 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - GA 16/09/42 - Bu Amud (Cirenaica) - GA 01/11/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - GA, DF 18/11/42 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - GA ??/01/43 - Zuara (Tripolitania) - IT 19/01/43 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG ??/05/43 - Siena (Italy) - TG 21/05/43 - Capoterra (Sardinia) - CE, GA 16/07/43 - Pontedera (Italy) - GA 28/07/43 - Firenze Peretola (Italy) - TG	MM8952 21^a Squadriglia: MM8952: 19/11/42 Damaged on landing, S.Ten Angelo Mazzei safe.	This ex -bomber Gruppo converted to the CR.42 when then unit became an attack unit in May 1942.
47^o	53^a, 54^a	15^o	??/05/42 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG 28/08/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT 07/09/42 - Bu Amud (Cirenaica) - CE ??/09/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - CE ??/09/42 - Barce (Cirenaica) - CE, DF 09/11/42 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - DF 13/11/42 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - GA, DF 25/11/42 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA, DF ??/01/43 - Zuara (Tripolitania) - IT 08/01/43 - Vicenza (Italy) - TG 21/05/43 - Oristano (Sardinia) - GA 16/07/43 - Pontedera (Italy) - GA 28/07/43 - Firenze Peretola (Italy) - TG	MM8910, MM8977, MM8993. 54^a Squadriglia: MM8910 (54-5): 14/09/42 Crashed probably hit by AA; Serg Ettore Mura KIA MM8977: 19/11/42 Hit by ground fire, crash-landed, Ten Raffaele Giusto safe. MM8993 (54-12): 06/09/42 Destroyed at Benghazi K1, Serg Jago Chendi WIA	This ex -bomber unit converted to the CR.42 when then unit became a attack unit in May 1942 and joined 15^o Stormo Assalto.
59^o	232^a, 233^a	41^o, Autonomo	23/12/41 - Treviso (Italy) - TG, NF ??/01/43 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG, NF 21/05/43 - Metato (Italy) - NF 10/06/43 - Ciampino (Italy) - NF 16/07/43 - Littoria (Italy) - NF 30/07/43 - Lagnasco (Italy) - NF 07/08/43 - Venegono (Italy) - NF		This ex -bomber unit converted to night fighter duties using among their aircraft the CR.42CN. The Gruppo became Autonomo in June 1943.
60^o	234^a, 235^a	41^o, Autonomo	23/12/41 - Treviso (Italy) - TG, NF 21/10/42 - Lonate Pozzolo (Italy) - TG, NF ??/04/43 - Venegono (Italy) - NF	MM9128	This ex -bomber unit converted to night fighter duties using among their aircraft the CR.42CN. The Gruppo became Autonomo in June 1943.
101^o	208^a, 238^a	5^o	04/06/42 - Ciampino Sud (Italy) - IT 05/07/42 - Capodichino (Italy) - IT 06/07/42 - Gerbini Nord (Sicily) - CE 15/07/42 - Pantelleria (Sicily) - CE 21/07/42 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - IT 24/07/42 - Tamet (Tripolitania) - IT 24/07/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT 25/07/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - CE 22/08/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA, NF, AR, NB 31/10/42 - Abu Smeit (Egypt) - CE, AR, NB 05/11/42 - Bir el Astas (Egypt) - IT 06/11/42 - Bu Amud (Cirenaica) - AR 11/11/42 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - AR 13/11/42 - En Nofilia (Tripolitania) - AR 04/12/42 - Buerat (Tripolitania) - IT 06/12/42 - Misurata (Tripolitania) - IT 08/12/42 - Gerbini (Sicily) - IT	MM8883, MM8890, MM8903, MM8936. 238^a Squadriglia: MM8883: 29/09/42 Damaged, Serg Magg Alvise Dell’Avanzo safe. MM8890: 26/08/42 Temporarily loaned to the 4^o Stormo. MM8890: 27/09/42 Crashed at Abar Nimeir for u/k reason, STen Luigi De Regis KIA. MM8903: 31/08/42 Shot down by AA fire in the Alam el Haifa area, Serg. Magg. Nicolò Gentile POW but DOW. MM8936: 27/10/42 Shot down into the sea, Serg Magg Urbano Suzzi MiA.	This unit, an ex-Stuka unit, received their first CR.42s (assault version) on 27 April 1942. In December 1942 the unit transferred back to Italy where it started to re-equip with Fiat G.50Bs.
150^o	363^a, 364^a, 365^a	53^o, Autonomo	10/06/40 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - DF, AE 23/10/40 - Valona (Albania) - DF, AE	MM5579, MM5590, MM6928. 364^a Squadriglia: MM6928 (364-11):	This unit received the CR.42 in May 1939. The unit became Autonomo on 23 October 1940. During the late autumn and winter of 1940 the started to convert to the MC.200.
151^o	366^a, 367^a, 368^a	53^o, Autonomo	10/06/40 - Casabianca (Italy) - DF, AE 08/09/40 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - DF ??/12/41 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - DF 22/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF ??/12/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - IT	MM4272, MM4295, MM4314, MM4325, MM4331, MM5655, MM5580, MM5589, MM6255, MM6257, MM7617, MM7621, MM7634. 387^a Squadriglia: MM6255: 14/07/42 Failed to return, Ten G. Battista Modica baled out, picked up with broken legs by Italian troops, DOW four days later	This unit was the first to receive the CR.42, in March 1939. The unit became Autonomo on 23 October 1940. Re-equipped with the G.50bis in January 1942.
153^o	372^a, 373^a, 374^a	Autonomo	??/11/40 - Brindisi (Italy) - DF ??/12/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG		The unit used nine CR.42 together with its ordinary MC.200s during the Yugoslav campaign. In December 1941 372^a Squadriglia used CR.42s in Libya for intercepts and ground strafing. When the Gruppo returned to Italy they replaced the aircraft with MC.200s and MC.202s.
154^o	361^a, 395^a, 396^a	Autonomo	19/07/41 - Grottaglie (Italy) - DF, NF 10/10/41 - Crotone (Italy) - DF, NF, CE ??/05/42 - Rodi Gadurra (Aegean) - DF, NF, CE, AR		The Gruppo was reformed on 19 July 1941 and used CR.42s for night fighter duties and G.50s for day fighter duties.
156^o	379^a, 380^a	Autonomo	20/01/41 - Comiso (Sicily) - AE		The unit disbanded on 8 April 1941.
157^o	384^a, 385^a, 386^a	1^o, Autonomo	10/06/40 - Trapani Milo (Sicily) - AE	MM5024	Became Autonomo at the end of July 1940. Replaced their CR.42s with MC.200s on 9 December 1940.
158^o	236^a, 387^a, 388^a	Autonomo	??/12/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - TG 10/05/42 - Aviano (Italy) - TG 13/05/42 - Benghasi K3 (Cirenaica) - GA 26/05/42 - El Ftehja (Cirenaica) - GA ??/06/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - GA 26/06/42 - Sidi Barrani (Egypt) - GA 30/06/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA 29/10/42 - Martuba 4 (Cirenaica) - CE 11/11/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT 12/11/42 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF 15/11/42 - Buerat (Tripolitania) - GA, CE 07/12/42 - Aviano (Italy) - TG ??/05/43 - Osoppo (Italy) - GA	MM4307, MM5059, MM5656, MM7629, MM8467, MM8491, MM8496, MM8497, MM8938, MM8940. 236^a Squadriglia: MM8496. 387^a Squadriglia: MM8491: 27/10/42 Caught fire after forced landing 60km SE El Daba, Cap Bruno Rossoni WiA. MM8938: 11/11/42 Destroyed at Martuba. MM8940: 08/11/42 Damaged at Arae Philaenorum. MM8940: 12/11/42 Set on fire by own troops. 388^a Squadriglia: MM5656: 12/11/42 Lost, M.llo Vincenzo Colli KIA.	The unit formed as an Assalto unit in December 1941. 236^a Squadriglia joined the unit on 9 February 1942 and was the last of the Squadriglias to use the CR.42 but handed over them in June 1943 when the whole unit had re-equipped with G.50bis.
159^o	389^a, 390^a, 391^a	50^o	04/05/42 - Aviano (Italy) - TG 25/05/42 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - GA 28/05/42 - El Ftehja (Cirenaica) - GA ??/06/42 - Derna (Cirenaica) - GA 24/06/42 - El Adem (Cirenaica) - GA 26/06/42 - Sidi Barrani (Egypt) - GA 30/06/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA, AE, AR 15/09/42 - Benghasi K3 (Cirenaica) - TG, AR ??/09/42 - Abu Nimeir (Egypt) - GA 29/10/42 - Martuba 4 (Cirenaica) - CE 11/11/42 - Benghasi K1 (Cirenaica) - IT 12/11/42 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - DF 15/11/42 - Buerat (Tripolitania) - GA, CE 10/12/42 - Misurata (Tripolitania) - DF, GA 18/12/42 - Gars Garabulli (Tripolitania) - GA ??/01/43 - Zuara (Tripolitania) - GA 15/01/43 - Aviano (Italy) - TG	MM5006, MM5018, MM5046, MM5059, MM5514, MM5600, MM7493, MM7528, MM7619, MM7625, MM7655, MM8479, MM8527, MM8528, MM8529, MM8542, MM8544, MM8545, MM8572, MM8828, MM8844, MM8845, MM8846, MM8848, MM8851, MM8853, MM8856, MM8857, MM8858, MM8859, MM8860, MM8861, MM8862, MM8863, MM8866, MM8867, MM8868, MM8891, MM8921, MM8929, MM8939. 389^a Squadriglia: MM8851: 27/10/42 Force-landed near El Daba, recovered; Serg Magg Costante Cipitelli safe. MM8856: 27/10/42 Hit in combat, force-landed and later recovered; Ten Mario Aimi safe. MM8867 (389-11): 390^a Squadriglia: MM5600: 12/11/42 Already damaged and set on fire by own troops at Martuba. MM8544: ??/12/42 Destroyed in North Africa, probably after the retreat from El Alamein. MM8857: 12/1142 Already damaged and set on fire by own troops at Martuba. 391^a Squadriglia: MM8847: 10/07/42 11:00-12:20 Shot down by enemy fighters; Serg Pasquale Rivolta KIA. MM8853: 12/11/42 Crashed near Mersa Brega, Serg Magg Dario Baltolu KIA. MM8921: 27/10/42 14:10-15:05 Ground attack; Ten Vodret - 1 destroyed and 1 damaged P-40.	Re-equipped with G.50bis in January 1943.
160^o	375^a, 393^a, 394^a	Autonomo	10/06/40 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, AE 28/10/40 - Drenova (Albania) - DF, AE 29/10/40 - Devoli (Albania) - DF, AE 10/04/41 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, AE 14/06/41 - Treviso (Italy) - TG 11/08/41 - Benghasi K2 (Cirenaica) - DF 20/12/41 - Agedabia (Cirenaica) - GA 22/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - GA ??/01/42 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA ??/03/42 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - GA ??/07/42 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA 15/11/42 - Perugia (Italy) - TG 24/03/43 - Decimomannu (Sardinia) - DF, AE, CE 01/04/43 - Olbia-Venafiorita (Sardinia) - DF, AE, CE 06/10/43 - Elmas (Sardinia) 15/10/43 Disbanded	MM5671, MM7029, MM7541, MM7543, MM7546, MM7548, MM7551, MM7554, MM7627, MM7756.	375^a Squadriglia joined the Gruppo in February 1941. The unit received some G.50s during 1941. At the end of September, the unit hadn't any CR.42s left and it wasn't equipped with any more until March 1943. At the end of the war, they still had two CR.42s serviceable.
161^o	162^a, 163^a, 164^a	Autonomo	11/06/41 - Rodi Marizza (Aegean) - DF, CE ??/03/43 - Palermo (Sicily) - DF	MM3542, MM3545, MM7180, MM7475.	Re-equipped with G.50bis and MC.200 during the spring 1942. In March 1943 they used two CR.42CNs for night-fighter missions.
167^o	300^a, 303^a	Autonomo	10/05/42 - Ciampino (Italy) - NF, DF ??/??/43 - Grottaglie (Italy) - NF ??/05/43 - Ciampino Sud (Italy) - NF	MM7584	In May 1942 this unit was equipped with CR.42CN, CVF.5, MC.200, CVF.4, G.50, CVF6 (all fighters) and Ca.164, Ca.313 (trainers) at the same time! In the beginning of June 1943, the unit ceased using the CR.42CNs and only using RE.2001CNs.
171^o	301^a, 302^a	Autonomo	01/10/41 - Gela (Sicily) - NF		This was the first nightfighter unit to form but they were disbanded already in November 1941 when the Germans took over their base.
Battaglione Aviazione Sahariana	26^a, 99^a		??/07/42 - Hon (Tripolitania) - AR, DF		This unit was formed to protect the oases in the south of Libya. By January 1943 the unit didn't have any CR.42s left.

Squadriglia	Bases and missions	Serials	Notes
110^a	??/01/41 - Dire Daua (Ethiopia) - AR, DF 24/03/41 - Gimma (Ethiopia) - AR, DF		Received four CR.42s on 17 January 1941 to strengthen its low numbers of Ro37bis'. The unit evacuated Gimma on 5 June 1941 at which time no aircraft were serviceable.
161^a	??/06/41 - Rodi (Aegean) - DF, CE		Replaced their Ro.44s and Ro.43s with CR.42s in June 1941. The unit was possibly equipped with MC.200s and G.50s in November 1942.
163^a	10/06/40 - Marizza (Aegean) - DF ??/04/41 - Gadurra (Aegean) - DF, GA, AE	MM5549	The squadriglia joined 161^o Gruppo on 11 June 1941.
236^a	??/01/41 - Mitsurata (Tripolitania) - DB, GA ??/11/41 - Agedabia (Cyrenaica) - GA ??/12/41 - Sorman (Tripolitania) - GA 25/12/41 - Ara Fileni (Tripolitania) - GA 15/01/42 - El Merduma (Tripolitania) - GA ??/01/42 - Agheila (Cyrenaica) - GA 29/01/42 - Agedabia (Cyrenaica) - GA 09/02/42 - Benghasi K2 (Cyrenaica) - GA	MM4394	Used mostly the Ju 87R in January 1941 but re-equipped to only use the CR.42AS on 3 November 1941.
300^a	??/??/41 - Ciampino (Italy) - NF	MM7584	This unit formed from the Sezione Caccia Noturne at Guidonia, for the night fighter defence of Rome. From January to May 1942 they came under the control of 51^o Stormo, then joined 167^o Gruppo.
375^a	01/02/41 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, AE ??/12/41 - Agedabia (Cyrenaica) - DF, GA ??/01/42 - En Nofilia (Tripolitania) - DF, GA	MM7029	Formed for operations against Yugoslavia. Joined 160^o Gruppo in January 1942.
376^a	20/04/41 - Torino Caselle (Italy) - TG ??/04/41 - Ciampino (Italy) - TG 21/05/41 - Castelbenito (Tripolitania) - GA, TG 08/08/41 - Ain el Gazala (Cyrenaica) - GA 15/11/41 - Bir Hacheim (Cyrenaica) - GA 25/11/41 - Ain el Gazala (Cyrenaica) - GA	MM5036, MM7942	Returned to Naples in Italy in November 1941 and re-equipped with MC.200s.
377^a	??/09/42 - Sciacca (Sicily) - TG		Used CR.42s for night-fighter duties and anti-submarine patrols from September 1942 to February 1943 as a complement to their Re.2000s and MC.200s.
392^a	01/03/43 - Tirana (Albania) - DF, GA, CE 24/06/43 - Airport 917? (Albania) - CE, DF		Formed from the Caccia Terrestre based at Tirana in 1943. Also flew G.50bis, MC.200 and Ro41.
412^a	10/06/40 - Massaua (Eritrea) - DF, AE ??/08/40 - Agordat (Eritrea) - DF ??/09/40 - Asmara (Eritrea) - DF 30/09/40 - Gura (Eritrea) - DF ??/10/40 - Barentu (Eritrea) - DF ??/01/41 - Gura (Eritrea) - AE, GA 16/03/41 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF, AE 22/03/41 - Asmara (Eritrea) - DF 31/03/41 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF 07/04/41 - Alomata (Ethiopia) - DF, GA, AR ??/04/41 - Gimma (Ethiopia) - DF, AE ??/06/41 - Gondar (Ethiopia) - DF	MM4305, MM4044, MM4282, MM4404, MM4455, MM5523, MM5527 MM4305: 12/06/40 Damaged in combat with Wellesleys from 223 Squadron. Ten Mussolin safe. MM4044: 03/06/40 Aircraft seriously damaged in flight accident at Gura. Pilot uninjured. MM4282: 04/06/40 Aircraft damaged in flight accident at Gura. Pilot uninjured. MM4404: 04/06/40 Crashed. MM4455: 26/06/40 08:45- Damaged in combat with Wellesleys over Gura. Ten Mussolin WiA. MM5523: 12/06/40 Damaged in combat with Wellesleys from 223 Squadron. Pilot unknown. MM5527: 12/06/40 Shot down after combat with Wellesleys from 223 Squadron. Serg Perini WiA.	Last fighter of the unit made a strafing attack in the Kulkaber area on 22 November 1941. Four days later it was burnt to prevent capture.
413^a	10/06/40 - Assab (Ethiopia) - TG, DF ??/07/40 - Dire Daua (Ethiopia) - DF ??/08/40 - Gondar (Ethiopia) - DF ??/09/40 - Adi Ugri L.G. (Ethiopia) - DF ??/09/40 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF ??/09/40 - Addis Abeba (Ethiopia) - DF 28/03/41 - Gauani (Ethiopia) - DF, AE ??/04/41 - Addis Abeba (Ethiopia) - DF 05/04/41 - Dessie (Ethiopia) - DF, GA 07/04/41 - Sciasciamanna (Ethiopia) - DF, GA ??/04/41 - Gimma (Ethiopia) - DF, AE	MM4033	Last known action by the unit was on 9 July 1941.
414^a	10/06/40 - Gura (Eritrea) - DF, AE 28/06/40 - Assab (Ethiopia) - DF, AE		The unit lost its last six CR.42s in a raid on Assab on 10 July 1940. The unit ceased to exist after this.