"The Falco and Regia Aeronautica in the Battle of Britain " Topic

Very interesting site and info.

link

Hope you enjoy!.

Amicalement
Armand

Had no idea – you learn something new about WWII everyday on this site, tanks Armand

I have created a thread on another site about the subject with information and lots of photos about both the Corpo Aeros Italiano in Belgium and Spedizione in Russia.About 7 pages.I made it a year ago after finding the link that tango posted. Robert
link

I´m with Trotter, this is certainly news for me. Wow! Thanks for posting Armand.

Robert, your link was also excellent. Seems like they were not so gung ho about the whole idea.

This certainly opens up gaming possibilities!

"Over the Channel" published for Check Your 6! (but usable for any ruleset) has a scenario with Br20s escorted by Cr42s intercepted by Hurricanes. Still need three Br20s to try it out.

I've got a book that is a day-by-day account of the Battle of Britain and these two squadrons are in it. Until I purchased the book, I had no idea that the Italians were involved in that phase of the war.

This is good for those of us who play Wings of Glory. Thanks!

So happy you had enjoy the article boys!.

Robert, superb as usual!!

Amicalement
Armand

Thanks TJ. It appears so. At least they weren't flying Cr.32s LOL. Thanks Tango. I try to research a subject as much as I can . Robert

Very cool, I had no idea, and I've read numerous books on B of B.

No mention my friend.

Amicalement
Armand

Interesting stuff and some great scenario possibilities to include CR.42 biplanes vs. Spitfires and Hurricanes.

662 sorties by Fiat G.50s from their base in Belgium and no contact with the enemy? Incredible!

Perhaps they took off and went southeast?

CR42s vs. Gladiators are also a possibility.

Maybe the British Royal Airforce avoid combat with them purposely?

Amicalement
Armand

"Cowboy Antics
When you're on the tail of an enemy aircraft in the heat of battle, and you find the guns are out of ammunition, what do you do? That is the dilemma that faced Flight Lieutenant Howard Peter 'Cowboy' Blatchford of Edmonton Alberta as he lined up in his sights on an Italian Fiat CR.42 bi-plane of the Corpo Aero Italiano. The blundering and pompous buffoon Benito Mussolini, had convinced his friend the Reichsfuhrer (Herr Adolf Hitler) that the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) could help with the final victory for Fascism in Europe, despite the express misgivings of Hermann Goering.

On the 11th of November, 1940, as a retaliatory measure for the British Fleet Air Arm's attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto, the Regia Aeronautica set out to bomb the English port of Harwich. A small number of Luftwaffe Bf-109s accompanied the formation. They were intercepted by Hurricanes of No.s 17, 46 'Uganda' and 257 'China-British' Fighter Squadrons. While 'Cowboy' Blatchford of No.257 'Burma' Fighter Squadron was flying Hurricane #V6962 and upon discovering much to his shock that he was out of ammo, rammed the CR.42 with his propeller. It subsequently chewed up the enemy's top wing, sending the fabric bi-plane to mother earth.

For his daring escapades, he was presented the Distinguished Flying Cross on the 6th of December 1940. Sadly, as with so many fine young men, Wing Commander H.P. 'Cowboy' Blatchford DFC MiD and only 31, was killed in action. On the 3rd of May 1943 he was flying a Supermarine Spitfire of No.247 'Burma' Fighter Squadron on a bomber escort mission to Amsterdam, when he went missing over the English Channel. His record was six destroyed, three probable and two damaged. "
itsar.ca/av8r/battle.htm