The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
During the course of the Allied campaign in Italy in 1943-45 No. 683 Squadron, RAF, formed part of a combined British-American photographic reconnaissance wing base at San Severo, north of Foggia. For this vital and busy role by the Americans operated Lighting fighters, while the British used Spitfire Mark XI and Mosquito aircraft. All aircraft engaged in photographic reconnaissance in the theatre were camouflaged blue. In the case of the Spitfire the aerial camera was installed in a special compartment behind the pilot, who operated it by remote control. Some Australians served as pilots in No. 683 Squadron and became specialists in the work. Brindisi was a major port on the Adriatic Coast of Italy.
A Spitfire Mark XI of No. 683 Squadron in the blue camouflage of all Photo Reconnaissance aircraft. A photographic reconnaissance wing was based at San Severo north of Foggia. Here, as with the entir
Portrait of photo-reconnaissance pilot Squadron Leader Harry Smith, RAF, of No 683 Squadron in San Severo, Italy.
Flying Officer Eric Hay, No.683 Squadron, Royal Air Force, one of three Australians, including the Commanding Officer, on a photo reconnaissance squadron in Italy.
Showing aircraft from the No.3 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force flying in formation over the ruins of La Chiesa San Lorenzo in Forli, Italy.
Italy Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. Worn by Frederick Leslie Lomas, born 18 June 1914 at Port Macquarie, NSW. Lomas, a student of Nhill, Victoria, enlisted on 10 November 1940 at
Sibenik was one of several ports on the Yugoslav side of the Adriatic Sea. which received attention from the Royal Australian Air Force Kittyhawks of No. 3 and 450 Squadrons in anti-shipping strikes s