Italian Aces of World War 2 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 34) [Paperback]

Giorgio Apostolo (Author), Richard Caruana (Illustrator), Giovanni Massimello (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 2000 | Series: Aircraft of the Aces (Book 34)

Flying aircraft such as the Macchi 200-202, Fiat G.50 and biplane Fiat CR.42, the Italian fighter pilots were recognised by their Allied counterparts as brave opponents blessed with sound flying abilities, but employing under-gunned and underpowered equipment. Following the Italian surrender in September 1943, a number of aces continued to take the fight to the Allies as part of the Luftwaffe-run ANR, which was equipped with far more potent equipment such as the Bf 109G, Macchi 205V and Fiat G.55. Flying these types, the handful of ANR squadrons continued to oppose Allied bombing raids on northern Italy until VE-Day.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces series combines full colour artwork, the best archival contemporary photography, and first hand accounts from aces to bring history's greatest airborne conflicts to life.

About the Author

Giorgio Apostolo runs the leading Italian aviation publishing company GAE, and has become the recognised authority on the Regia Aeronautica during World War 2.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; 1 edition (November 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841760781
• ISBN-13: 978-1841760780
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #941,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Info, February 25, 2002

By 

Stephen Fedor (Richmond, New Hampshire United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Italian Aces of World War 2 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 34) (Paperback)

That anything publishable would come out on this subject is a wonder. In this case, it took a supreme level of dedication by the authors to produce this volume. Many other reviewers have given it 5 stars, so I'll avoid repeating them.

The main virtue to me is the meticulous search for historical truth. Not easy, when facing incomplete official records that also were subject to shifts in method. The authors chose to go after ORIGINAL sources. While this limits their being complete (a bit much to expect in any ace study), what you do get has withstood their rigorous methodology: Brief ace profiles; an overview of Italian fighter operations; fresh photo illustrations; high quality a/c profiles -- that you can trust.

There isn't much in English on Italian air ops, nor aces. So this entry not only breaks new ground for English-speakers, it is as authoritative as the best of any in the Osprey series.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Italian Aces of World War 2, January 23, 2001

By 

Karl Pople (Oldsmar, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Italian Aces of World War 2 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 34) (Paperback)

A fascinating review of an often overlooked subject that is long overdue. I knew the Italian Air Force fought with bravery and tenacity during the war, but had no idea they had produced over 50 pilots who scored five or more victories! Not only do the authors, Giorgio Apostolo and Giovanni Massimello, give the reader an overview of the war, but also organization of the air force by wings (Stormos). A Stormo analysis consists of breakdowns by Gruppos (Groups) and Squadriglie (Squadrons). Also a Squadriglie by Squadriglie review of types flown, the Fiat G.50 and G.55, also the Fiat G.32 and G.42 series, the last biplanes flown in the war! And fighter types produced by Macchi and Reggiane. Tragically, we learn of the executions of pilots who flew "up north" for the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana, or ANR, by their fellow Italian citizens as reprisals after the war had ended because they had sided with Mussolini. The color profiles are superb, as we have come to expect from this series, 40 different fighters flown by the aces. My only complaint is the lack of color profiles concerning pilot uniforms and flying garb, but judging by the photos,(many never before seen), the Italian pilots wore whatever was comfortable for the theater of operations at the time. In closing, a "must have" for any modeller or historian!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it was high time !, January 9, 2001

By 

roberto rensi (Santiago, Chile) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Italian Aces of World War 2 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 34) (Paperback)

Excellent addition to an excellent series. The Italian participation in air operations in WWII is all too often omitted or misrepresented. Italian records, especially about WWII aces, are extremely rare and incomplete, therefore comprehensive publications like this one are precious. The text provides a good and balanced overview of a very complex story; maybe more could have been said about the different theaters where the Regia Aereonautica fought and about specific combat experience. Nevertheless, the photos and drawings are very good. It will remain as a reference text.