Camouflage and Markings of the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana 1943-1945. A Photographic Analysis through Speculation and Research

Description

For the first time in the English language and following years of research, this book analyses the camouflage and markings of the Aeronautica Nazionale Reppubblicana (ANR), the fascist air force formed following the wake of Italy’s capitulation to the Allies in 1943, and an often overlooked aspect of Italian airpower during the Second World War. Fighting alongside the Luftwaffe to the bitter end in Northern Italy, the ANR was equipped with the German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter as well as a range of Italian fighters, bombers, torpedo and transport aircraft – all of which are examined by the authors with the aid of hundreds of photographs showing the camouflage and markings systems adopted by units and individual pilots. In a “photographic analysis through speculation and research” the authors – recognised authorities in their field – explain the evolution of various units such as the Squadriglia Complementate “Montefusco”, the 1st and 2ed Gruppo Caccia which were equipped with the Fiat G.55, Macchi C.205 and Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters, and the Gruppo Aerosiluranti “Buscaglia” which flew the SIAI S.M.79. Other aircraft are studied such as the SIAI S.81 and SIAI S.82 which equipped the ANR transport units and second-line aircraft such as the Avia Fl.3, Breda 25, Reggiane Re.2005, Macchi C.200, Saiman 202, SAI 7, Cant Z.1007, SIAI S.79, Caproni Ca.164 and IMAM Ro.41. This heavily illustrated and highly detailed work of reference contains more than 400 rare and often previously unseen photographs and these are accompanied by a clear and concise text with some 40 colour profiles and “in action” colour graphics, 23 colour plan views and 40 colour plates illustrating ANR markings and codes. Ferdinando D’Amico and Gabriele Valentini are acknowledged experts on the aircraft of the Italian air forces of World War Two. They are the authors of the acclaimed Bf 109 in Italian Service and (with Nick Beale) Air War Italy 1944-45: The Axis Air Forces from the Liberation of Rome to the Surrender.