Caproni Ca.133 - Operational Service - World War II (1939-1945)

World War II (1939-1945)

The Regia Aeronautica soon realized that despite its improvements, the type was suitable only for colonial use in North and East Africa. At the outbreak of war the Ca.133 equipped 14 Squadriglie da Bombardamento in these theatres. In mainland Italy, the Ca.133 was used mostly as a light transport aircraft supporting fighter and bomber squadrons by carrying supplies, personnel and spare parts.

In East Africa, in the first days of combat, it was still used as bomber and attack aircraft. On 12 June 1940, in the south region, three Ca.133s of 66a Squadriglia from Yavello attacked an Allied column of half a dozen trucks and 200 men. Ca.133s of 65a Squadriglia, from Neghelli, attacked the Allied positions around Moyale on two occasions, each time with three aircraft. That night, ten Caproni Ca.133s bombed the port of Aden and Khormaksar airfield, already attacked, during daylight hours, by seven SM.81s of 29° Gruppo. Three other Capronis attacked Cassala airfield in the Sudan.

It was also used as an air ambulance in the Ca.133S (Sanitary) variant. Over 250 Ca.133s were in service in September 1939, when the war broke out. Some survived until the Armistice in 1943.