Thursday, November 6, 2025 Livorno gathers in remembrance of the paratroopers of the Folgore and the British crew who perished in the Meloria air disaster. The ceremonies, promoted by the Command of the 187th Paratrooper Regiment “Folgore”, will be open to the public and will see the participation of civil and military authorities along with the families of the Fallen.
The Historical Event
On November 9, 1971, within the framework of the large NATO exercise Cold Stream, 396 paratroopers of the “Folgore” Brigade were embarked on 10 aircraft (9 C-130 and one HS Andover) taking off from Pisa-San Giusto with takeoffs staggered every 15 seconds, tactical low-altitude flight, and airdrop in CARP mode (Calculated Air Release Point) to reduce the dispersion of Paratroopers on the ground and reorganization times.
On the night between November 8 and 9, 1971, while the formation was heading towards the drop zone of Villacidro (Sardinia), the aircraft identified as “Gesso 4” suddenly crashed into the waters of the Secche della Meloria: 46 Italian paratroopers (6th company “Grifi” of the 2nd btg. “Tarquinia”) and 6 British airmen perished.
The searches, started immediately, recovered large sections of the wreckage, but no mayday was ever recorded; the inquiry commission, while hypothesizing a climb with tail impact on the water, could not ascertain the cause with certainty.
To that list of Fallen was added on November 18 also Sergeant Major Giannino Caria, of the Paratrooper Saboteur Battalion, who lost his life during attempts to recover the bodies.
In total, the victims were 53. A tragedy that struck at the heart of the Folgore, engaged in a massive and modern training operation for tactics and procedures, conceived during the Cold War for the readiness of the Atlantic Alliance.
The Ceremony of November 6 (tomorrow)
- 8:30 AM – Gathering at the Municipal Cemetery La Cigna (Lupi), via don Aldo Mei 19.
- 9:00 AM – Ceremony at the Cemetery: speeches by authorities, laying of a wreath, honors rendered, Paratrooper's Prayer and reading of the names of the Fallen. Among others, the Prefect Giancarlo Dionisi, the Commander of the 187th Regiment, Col. Girolamo Bufi, representatives of the Naval Academy and the Military Garrison will attend. For the Municipal Administration, Councilor Rocco Garufo will be present.
- 10:00 AM – Holy Mass in the Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel at Vannucci Barracks (via dell’Ardenza).
- 11:30 AM – Commemoration at the Monument to the Fallen of Meloria, via Dino Provenzal (Banditella area, at the end of piazzale Borrani), with the laying of a wreath.
Sea Airdrop and Moment at the Tragedy Site
- 12:00 PM – Sea Airdrop of the paratroopers of the 187th “Folgore” in the waters in front of the “Gabbiano” in Tre Ponti (viale di Antignano).
In case of adverse weather, the airdrop will be replaced by an aerial flyover. - Afternoon – Laying of a wreath at sea at the Secche della Meloria. The boat, provided by the company Neri Group, will be reserved for a delegation of relatives of the Victims.
Traffic Modifications
To ensure the safe conduct of the ceremonies, Thursday, November 6 in Livorno, the following measures are planned (municipal ordinance no. 8634/2025):
- 7:00–10:00 AM – No parking with removal on the entire square of via don Aldo Mei in front of the entrance to the La Cigna Cemetery, with maintenance of spaces for motorcycles and vehicles serving people with disabilities.
- 7:00 AM–12:00 PM – No parking with removal in via Dino Provenzal for 50 meters before and after the Monument; no parking also on piazzale Borrani (south and north side roadway).
- 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (for the strictly necessary time) – No transit in the section of via Dino Provenzal between via Silvestro Lega and via Carlo Catanzaro, and in piazza Borrani. Traffic will be managed by Municipal Police.
- 10:00 AM–2:00 PM – Military vehicles engaged for the airdrop may transit and park on the service road of viale Italia in front of the Rotonda di Ardenza.
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