The C.200 played no role in Italy's brief action during the Battle of France. The first C.200s to make their combat debut were those of the 6° "Gruppo Autonomo" C.T. led by "Tenente Colonnello" (Wing Commander) Armando Francois. This squadron was based at the Sicilian airport of Catania Fontanarossa. A "Saetta" from this unit was the first C.200 to be lost in combat when, on 23 June 1940, 14 C.200s (eight from 88a "Squadriglia", five from 79a "Squadriglia" and one from 81a "Squadriglia") that were escorting 10 Savoia-Marchetti SM.79s from 11° "Stormo" were intercepted by two Gloster Gladiators. Gladiator No.5519, piloted by Flt Lt George Burges, jumped the bombers but was in turn attacked by a C.200 flown by "Sergente Maggiore" Lamberto Molinelli of 71a "Squadriglia" over the sea off Sliema. The Macchi overshot four or five times the more agile Gladiator which eventually shot down the "Saetta".