italy's contribution re: the battle of britain any new info?

[tom d. friedman]

i've known for years that the italian air force participated in the battle of britain in a minor way, but that's all i've known for years. the current issue of "flight journal" magazine mentions the fact, but with no real concrete info. can anybody add or elaborate to the fact?? aircraft used, quantity used, types used, successes, losses, logistics, etc??

[lestweforget]

Hi Tom,

A wee bit about the Italian effort in the BOB. In July 1940, Mussolini offered to take part in the air battle, but was ultimately declined by Hitler.A change of heart ensued, and in September , the Corpo Aero Italiano were built up in Belgium under Luftflotte II. I beleive the total force was 50 Fiat CR-42,48 Fiat G-50 and 80 Fiat BR-20 bombers.

Several small scale incursions were made in October, but only one real attack on the 11th November, in which 3 fighters and 6 bombers of the Italians were brought down.

Some good info can be read at the following link to the RAF Museums CR-42, which crash landed in Suffolk on November 11th 1940. Hope this is of some help and interest.

Willie

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/collections/aircraft/aircraft_histories/78-AF-952%20%20%20Fiat%20CR42%20Falco.pdf

Pic of the aircraft here
http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/collections/aircraft/fiat-cr42-falco.cfm

[Vital Spark]

I recall that Fly For Your Life has an anecdote about Stanford-Tuck and his squadron seeking the wreckage of a Italian bomber he had shot down, in order to cut the House of Savoy crest from it's rudder.

[lestweforget]

Found a really in depth article about the involvement, especially of the CR-42 here if you have the time to read it. Good stuff, I am learning more too!!

http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/falco_bob.htm#mm5701

[John Dupre]

I recall that Fly For Your Life has an anecdote about Stanford-Tuck and his squadron seeking the wreckage of a Italian bomber he had shot down, in order to cut the House of Savoy crest from it's rudder.

As I remember it he also took the opportunity to lift a pistol from a dead gunner and a basket of wine as well.