25.11.43

II./JG 77 has been re-equipped with the Macchi 205. The machine is fast and good to fly except for a tendency to enter a spin easily when losing speed in tight turns. A further disadvantage is the fitting of an Italian radio. Despite talking over a powerful transmitter it is barely possibly to communicate with the aircraft. Finally, refuelling and rearming are very intricate, so that re-establishing operational readiness is very protracted.

The operation of the radar sets is still not cause for satisfaction, including Set F120 …

13.42–14.47

17 Macchi 205s scramble (no contact). Since no coherent picture could be obtained from the reports and radio contact could not be established with the aircraft, no contact with the enemy.

26.11.43

12.52–14.16

14 Macchi 205s scramble. Since radio contact could not be established and the light was strongly blocked by […], conact was not made with the enemy.

16.30–17.15

2 Macchi 205s reconnaissance flight.

At the behest of the Koflug, reconnaissance of a castle where a Partisan HQ […]. No special conclusions.

27.11.43

15.16–16.30

2 Macchi 205s scramble. No radio contact, no contact with enemy.

28.11.43

15.42–16.45

14 Macchi 205s scramble. Heavies between Lagnasco and Turin. No contact with enemy.

29.11.43

Bf 110 arrived from 7. Jagddivision as contact aircraft for flights heading into Germany and is stationed with II./JG 77 in Lagnasco.

01.12.43

13.25–14.25

16 Macchi 205s scramble.

Aborted: 3 [with] weapons unserviceable; 1 oxygen; 1 went into a spin; 2 had to break off.

Contact with the American formation. Combat with 25 Lightnings, bombers could only be attacked with difficulty.

Successes: 1 Lightning shot down, 2 Lightnings and 5 bombers effectively shot up.

CX/MSS/T20/93

Report of 1/12 from JG 77, Fighter Control Post West, to Fliegerkorps (Roman) II C:

Approach by about 120-engine a/c in five formations with fighter escort of Lightnings, bombs dropped at 1240 hours on Turin and OT 5(+) at 1405 hrs [GMT]. Scramble by 16 MC 205 at 12.25, interception. 1 Lightning shot down for certain, 2 probables, 3 4-engine a/c effectively shot up. No losses, down 1325 hrs.

NOTE: (+) = 4507 North, 0915 East.

02.12.43

14.30–15.41

4 Macchi 205s scramble.

An hostile reconnaissance plane was spotted over Turin. Recognised by condensation trails 3–4000 m. over our own aircraft. Enemy lost in the clouds.

CX/MSS/T21/16

To Kapitän ((Fliegerkrops (Roman) II)) 8, QM, from JG 77, Technical Officer on 2/12:

Strength return 2/12:

Stab JG 77: 3 (2) Bf 109 G-6

II./JG 77: 25 (14) Macchi 205 V

[Unserviceable a/c: 3 change of engine, 1 damage to wings, 1 generator, 1 engine trouble, 1 undercarriage]

To strength from II./ZG 76: 1 Bf 110 (serviceable)

10.12.43

13.12–14.10

18 Macchi 205s scramble with orders to patrol over base. No contact with enemy.