Feb 20 โ€ข 06:00 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy Il Giornale

The crazy raid on Gibraltar: how ten Italian SM79s challenged the Royal Navy

The article recounts a lesser-known WWII mission involving Italian bombers that challenged the Royal Navy in Gibraltar, comparing it to more famous operations.

The article from Il Giornale explores a daring yet relatively obscure military operation during World War II, where ten Italian SM79 bomber aircraft, known as Savoia-Marchetti S.M.79 "Sparviero", launched a bold attack aimed at disrupting the Royal Navy's operations in Gibraltar. This story draws parallels with more celebrated raids such as the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo and the RAF's Dambusters, positioning the actions of these Italian aviators within a broader context of audacious military assaults that have been extensively documented and dramatized in film.

While the narrative of the heroes like the pilots of B-25s and the Dambusters are well-known, the article argues that the SM79 raid represents a similar spirit of bravery and strategic ingenuity that deserves recognition. The piece highlights the importance of acknowledging these lesser-known undertakings which, although overshadowed by more famous missions, reveal the complexity and diverse narratives of World War II.

Through this recounting, the article emphasizes the broader implications of military history and the impact of these actions on both Italian aviation legacy and the overall strategies employed within the Mediterranean theater during the war. The operation exemplifies not only the valor of the Italian aviators but also serves as a reminder of the many untold stories that exist within wartime history.

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