Northern Italy. Allied night fighters conduct solo raids over Northern Italy. The “Pippos,” unlike large bombers that strike from high altitude, fly low to avoid anti-aircraft fire, dropping bombs or strafing in the darkness. These operations were made possible by the first radar installations on aircraft, which were tested on a large scale with the “Pippos.” This was Operation “Night Intruder,” entrusted to RAF pilots. The planes took off from the Allied bases of Falconara Marittima and Foggia in formations of five aircraft, and split up to reach their assigned targets. Twin-engine “Beaufighter” fighter-bombers were initially used for this mission, later joined by the more modern “Mosquito” aircraft. Strikes primarily in the dark, the “Pippos” represent a mysterious and looming presence. Undoubtedly, they are an effective psychological weapon against rural populations, a substitute for the strategic bombing operations used on large urban centers. This type of threat, with its random appearances, also affects small towns that felt safe from massive bombings. Various legends have arisen regarding the “Pippos.” Among the most widespread beliefs is that it involved a single plane. This is due to the secrecy of the mission maintained by the Allies and the heavy media censorship that prevented knowledge of the true extent of the phenomenon: there were actually hundreds of “Pippo” attacks. The fascist press embraced the theory of a single plane that escaped the clutches of anti-aircraft fire, dubbed the “Flying Harasser.” News reports periodically appear of the downing of the harasser in various locations across Northern Italy.
