Italy. 12 July 1943. By shooting down six enemy aircraft during a morning patrol, No. 72 ...

Italy. 12 July 1943. By shooting down six enemy aircraft during a morning patrol, No. 72 (Spitfire) Squadron RAF brought its total of enemy aircraft destroyed overseas to 100. While flying over the Volturno region, the squadron sighted Messerschmitt Bf109 aircraft flying as top cover to Focke-Wulf FW 190 aircraft in a formation of more than forty aircraft. The Commanding Officer, who was on his first operation after a bout of malaria, led the attack. He shot down two ME 109s and the other aircraft were destroyed by pilots from Australia, Kenya, Africa and Somerset, England. This squadron has destroyed 212 enemy aircraft since its formation. Flight Sergeant Keith Clarkson, RAAF, of Essendon, Vic (left) who shot down two FW 190 aircraft gives his combat report to the Intelligence Officer after he had landed. In the centre is Flying Officer Robert Barnfather, RAF, of Keynsham, Somerset, UK, who shot down one Messerscmitt Bf109.