Книги
Aeronaut
R.Gentilli
Italian Aviation Units in the First World War. Vol.2
353
R.Gentilli - Italian Aviation Units in the First World War. Vol.2 /Aeronaut/ (2)
(Antonio Iozzi) Italian Hanriot HD.1 in combat with an Austro-Hungarian Albatros D.III.
An R.E.8 of No. 34 squadron, Royal Air Force, made available for the observers of the 38a Squadriglia.
SP.3s of different production batches at San Pietro in Gu airfield; in the background there are French Sopwith 1 A2s.
SP.3 4531 behind a line of destroyed Sopwiths of Escadrille SOP 36.
SP.3 4531 of the 22a Squadriglia captured at Campoformido. In front of it there is a line of destroyed French Sopwith 1A2 (1 1/2 Strutters) and behind, some Albatros fighters.
The remains of Sopwith Camel B2366 that crashed at Castello di Godego on 6 June 1918 with the death of Lieut. N. Marchant.
A captured German Albatros C.III that was tested and wrecked in April 1917.
The Ansaldo A.1 Balilla scored its only victory in the war with the 70a Squadriglia. Here the pilot is ten. Eleuteri. (Archive Roberto Bassi)
At the end of the war, Italian fighter squadrons were powerful units, fielding 18 fighters, with the plan of having 36 pilots and 36 planes in 1919; here the 70a Squadriglia with a mix of Spads and Hanriots and, first from the left, a single Balilla.
SVA 4 #6838, 60a Squadriglia, 1919
SVA 4 #12026, 60a Squadriglia, 1919
Early production SVA 4 6831 was assigned to the 56a Squadriglia.
SVA 14798 was assigned to the 59a Squadriglia. It was one of about 250 built by the AER factory at Orbassano, near Turin.
The pilots of the 60a Squadriglia at Aiello in the early post-war weeks.
A sergeant pilot of the 60a Squadriglia
Cpr. Cicalo in the cockpit of SVA 4 serial 12026.
Cpr. Francesco Cicalo with a SVA that shows both the flag of St. George, insignia of the squadron, and the black cat of the 2a Sezione SVA.
Writing the squadron number on the fin of airplanes was uncommon, but useful for future researchers.
A line-up of SVAs of different versions of the 58a Squadriglia. The enlarged radiator that was used after the war here appears for the first time.
The SPA 6A was the engine used in SVA aircraft and gave them exceptional performance.
Cap. Raffaele Martinetti Bianchi, here in front of an Ansaldo A.5, accomplished some relevant flights in the immediate post-war years.
SVA 10, 56a Squadriglia
SVA 10 #12847, 58a Squadriglia
SVA 10, Serg. Jindrich Brajla/Ten. Mirko Dostal, 56a Squadriglia, January 1919
The same insignia of the 583 Squadriglia, the halberd of Trieste not on a shield but on a pennant.
An SVA of the 31a Squadriglia after the war; the first man is commander Capuzzo, the fourth one is brig. Giovanni Zeppegno who was killed flying for d'Annunzio in Fiume in 1919.
A Czech crew, pilot serg. Jindrich Brajla and ten. Mirko Dostal, on 11 January 1919 flew this SVA 10 from Ganfardine to Prague. It carried as insignia the twin-tailed Lion of Bohemia.
Fiat R.2 8508 was assigned to the 38a Squadriglia too late to take part in the war.
The Fiat R.2 reached the front in the final days of the war, and remained in service until 1926.
Pomilio PE, 48a Squadriglia, 1918
Pomilio PE, 26a Squadriglia
Pomilio PE, 38a Squadriglia, Summer 1918
Pomilio PE, 39a Squadriglia, Summer 1918
Pomilio PE #7828, 33a Squadriglia
Pomilio PE P.18508, 22a Squadriglia
PE 7828, on a lighter finish; the triangle is now black. (Archive Caliaro)
Pomilio PE 7836 of the 28a Squadriglia.
Pomilio PE 7839 of the 61a Squadriglia, without armament.
According to documents, Pomilio PE 7839 flew with the 61a Squadriglia, but its triangle insignia seems the one of the 33a Squadriglia. (Archive Angelo Emiliani)
PE 18380 of the 31a Squadriglia at Castelgomberto. (Collection Marinello)
The beautifully decorated PE 18502 of the 28a Squadriglia; it is a late production plane, fitted with a Scarff ring.
A late-production Pomilio PE, 18508, showing the new insignia of the 22a Squadriglia, a white cannon.
Roman numerals identified the airplanes of the 38a Squadriglia.
A late production PE of the 36a Squadriglia, with two Lewis guns on the Scarff ring. The pilot is s.ten. Edoardo Garavoglia.
A Pomilio PE of the 23a Squadriglia.
Personnel of the 38a Squadriglia with a Pomilio PE. (Archive Scroccaro)
The airmen of the 39a Squadriglia; in the center, sixth from the left, is commander captain Pinna.
Sergeant pilots of the 39a Squadriglia in front of a Pomilio PE.
Pilots and observers of the 61a Squadriglia with a Pomilio PE.
Pilots and observers with a Pomilio PE of the 23a Squadriglia.
A Pomilio PE of the 48a Squadriglia. (Archive Gianandrea Bussi)
A Pomilio PE and the squadron insignia, with the whole rear fuselage and tail painted in a light color.
A Pomilio PE of the 38a Squadriglia emblazoned with a Native American head.
A lieutenant standing in front of a Pomilio PE with the elaborate lynx's head insignia of the 39a Squadriglia.
Sottotenente Andrea Defacqz, an observer of the 62a Squadriglia.
Stripes on the rear fuselage of this Pomilio PE of the 26a Squadriglia. (Archive Angelo Emiliani)
A Pomilio P of the 27a Squadriglia.
A Pomilio PE ready for action. The Fiat Mod. 1914 machine gun is fitted with a large magazine.
A line of Pomilio PEs of the 33a Squadriglia at San Pietro in Gu. (Archive Caliaro)
Pomilio PEs of the 26a Squadriglia lined up at Padua airfield for a patriotic ceremony show the insignia of the man pointing his finger.
A French Spad 13 with the insignia of a squirrel; behind it, a Pomilio of the 48a Squadriglia.
PE of the 36a Squadriglia in flight.
The fall of Pomilio 7783 on 23 August 1918 in which serg. Bernardi was killed.
Pomilio PE 14822 of 48a Squadriglia smashed on 30 August 1948, with the crew of serg. Rongioni and ten. Bertolotti. (Cela - Europeana)
The wing of a PE with damage from enemy fire, 6 October 1918; pilot serg. Giacomelli, observer ten. Cela. (Cela - Europeana)
Aviatik A.689 of 3a Squadriglia Caccia armed with a Fiat and two Villar Perosa guns.
Aviatik A.697 of 3a Squadriglia, behind it a Farman.
An Aviatik of the 72a Squadriglia, with a puzzling serial number, 1593, that belongs to a batch of SAML S.1s. (Archive Caliaro)
The SAML of cop. Pinna and s.ten. Moccafiche that on 3 August 1917 crash landed on the Adamello glacier. (Archive Fiorenzo Longhi)
Carlo Scavini of the 39a Squadriglia, killed in action on 19 June 1918. (Aviatori Scavini)
A SAML of the 39a Squadriglia in flight, showing the lynx's head insignia.
SIA 7B of the 22a Squadriglia and, in the background, SAML of the 114a Squadriglia at Casoni. (Archive Caliaro)
SIA 7B 6035 of the 22a Squadriglia, behind it a SAML of the 114a Squadriglia can be seen. (Collection Lepore)
Farman Colombo MF.2658, 29a Squadriglia
Farman Colombo MF.2666, 29a Squadriglia
Farman Colombo MF.2687, 50a Squadriglia
Farman Colombo MF.2690, 32a Squadriglia
Farman Colombo 1978 in the beautiful scenery of Trissino.
The observer tenente Pietro Ottelli in Farman Colombo 1978 at Castenedolo. (Courtesy Pierluigi Ottelli)
Farman MF 1979 of the 31a Squadriglia.
Farman Colombo 1986 of the 46a Squadriglia at Trissino.
Farman Colombo 2651 of the 32a Squadriglia at San Pietro in Gu.
MF 2657, another Farman Colombo of the 29a Squadriglia.
Farman Colombo 2657 shot down on 17 April 1917 at Villach.
This Farman Colombo of the 29a Squadriglia is decorated with the white halberd on a red shield of the city of Trieste.
Farman Colombo MF.2661 flew with the 45a Squadriglia.
Farman Colombo MF.2661 flew with the 45a Squadriglia.
Farman Colombo 2666 of the 29a Squadriglia showing some form of emblem with two crossed cannons on the nose.
Farman MFC 2687 of the 50a Squadriglia. The pilot in the center is Amedeo Mecozzi, later a theorist of air warfare, opposed to the ideas of Giulio Douhet of strategic bombing and favoring ground attack tactical aircraft.
Farman Colombo 2690 of the 32a Squadriglia. (Collection De Antoni)
Farman Colombo MFC 2692 of the 50a Squadriglia. The MFC was an honest airplane that saw widespread use.
MFC 2692; the MFC shared the same wings with the more common Maurice Farman type 1914, as it was called in Italy.
An emergency landing of Farman Colombo 2639 of the 46a Squadriglia, possibly the accident of 17 August 1917. (Archive Caliaro)
A badly damaged Farman of the 46a Squadriglia.
Savoia-Pomilio SP.2 #1810, 31a Squadriglia, Spring 1917
Savoia-Pomilio SP.2 #1901, 40a Squadriglia, Summer 1918
Savoia-Pomilio SP.2 #1907, 38a Squadriglia, 1917
Savoia Pomilio SP2 #3512, Ten. di Ricaldone / Ten. Villani, 21a Squadriglia, June 1917
Savoia Pomilio SP2 #3524, 23a Squadriglia, S. Maria la Longa Aerodrome, Spring 1917
Savoia Pomilio SP3 #4531, 22a Squadriglia, Autumn 1917
Savoia-Pomilio SP.3 #4537, 36a Squadriglia
Savoia-Pomilio SP.3 #4542, 26a Squadriglia
Savoia-Pomilio SP.3 #4595, 35a Squadriglia, Late 1917
Savoia-Pomilio SP.3 #44624, 31a Squadriglia
Savoia-Pomilio SP.3 #4659, 33a Squadriglia
An SP.2 of the 28a Squadriglia at Villaverla.
SP.2 1810 of the 31a Squadriglia. (Archive Caliaro)
SP.2 1901 crashed on 18 July 1917, with the death of soldier Sommariva.
SP.2 1901 of the 40a Squadriglia.
SP.2 1907 of the 38a Squadriglia. The gun mount allows firing backwards.
An SP.2, 346?, of the 40a Squadriglia after an emergency landing on the bed of the Torre river, with pilot serg. Ruffinengo of the 40a Squadriglia and ten. Tuzi of the 111a Squadriglia, May 1917.
The SP.2 of serg. Ruffinengo in flight.
SP.2 3512 of the 21a Squadriglia taking off for its final mission, 16 June 1917. (Archive Franz Selinger)
SP.2 3524 of the 23a Squadriglia. (Archive De Antoni)
Aviators of the 23a Squadriglia with their SP.2s.
SP.2 aircraft of the 21a Squadriglia in their hangar at Campoformido. (Courtesy Cime e Trincee)
The rudder and fuselage serial number of SP.2 1907 are preserved in the Museum of Science and technique of Milan. (Courtesy Marco Gueli)
SP.3 4512 showing the insignia of the 24a Squadriglia, an elaborate shield of Savoy, in the rugged terrain of Cavazzo Carnico.
The personnel of the 24a Squadriglia in front of SP.3 4512.
SP.3 4524 of the 24a Squadriglia.
Curious Austrian soldiers gather around the captured SP.3 4530. (Archive Frank Solina - Rtvslo.sl)
Captured SP.3 4530 on an Austrian airfield; behind it an Albatros fighter appears.
SP.3 4531 of the 22a Squadriglia captured at Campoformido. In front of it there is a line of destroyed French Sopwith 1A2 (1 1/2 Strutters) and behind, some Albatros fighters.
SP.3 4531 behind a line of destroyed Sopwiths of Escadrille SOP 36.
Savoia Pomilio SP.3 4536 shot down on 23 August 1917, with its crew, serg. Malaspina and ten. Mazzarino, captured. (Archive Zdenek Skolil)
SP.3 4537 with the three intersecting rings, insignia of the 36a Squadriglia.
The same insignia, in negative, on SP.3 4542.
SP.3 4595 of the 35a Squadriglia with full load of arms and bombs. (Archives Gadda - Liberati)
SP.3 4599 of the 35a Squadriglia being fueled up. (Archives Gadda - Liberati)
SP.3 4605, in the front cockpit is ten. oss. Eliso Panizzera. With this disposition, the airplane had no defense against attacks from the rear.
SP.3 4615 and 4676 of the 33a Squadriglia; behind them a SIA 7B of the 32a Squadriglia can be seen.
SP 4624 with a beautiful decoration of stars and the motto "Unguibus et rostris" (with claws and beak). In the front cockpit is col. Gilbert de Winkels, chief of the aviation command of the 1a Armata.
Savoia Pomilio SP.3 4632 of the 28a Squadriglia at Santa Maria la Longa in August 1917.
SP.3 4658 with the new insignia of the man pointing his finger, taken from a book popular at the time: "Come ti erudisco il pupo" (how to educate your kid).
Savoia Pomilio SP.3 4659; this airplane was shot down on 28 January 1918 with the death of its crew. A triangle was the insignia of the 33a Squadriglia.
The aviators of the 26a Squadriglia. This photo was published in a magazine, so all the names are known; from the left: serg. Gaggero, sold. Cappellini, ten. Bonino, ten. De Notti, doctor Denza, s.ten. Aldi, ten. Manzini, s.ten. Cebrelli, cap. Lioce, cap. Bianchi, s.ten. Marangoni, ten. Contini, serg. Graziani, m.llo Radicchi, serg. Pasquali.
A souvenir photo of all the ground personnel of the 40a Squadriglia at Campoformido, May 1917.
Cap. Jannoni Sebastianini, commander of the 35a Squadriglia, left, with an SP.2.
Six SP.3s of the 24a Squadriglia lined up at Cavazzo Carnico.
SP.3s of different production batches at San Pietro in Gu airfield; in the background there are French Sopwith 1 A2s.
Pomilio SP.3 6670 served first with the 26a Squadriglia and then with the 39a Squadriglia.
Tenente Giuseppe Moneta, a pilot of the 37a Squadriglia, in front of SP.3 6682.
SP.3 "round fuselage" 6683 flew with both the 35a and 36a Squadriglia.
SP.3 6691 of the 31a Squadriglia. (Collection De Vicari)
SP.3 6695 of the 39a Squadriglia. (Collection Carmelo Biz)
SP.3 6695 of the 39a Squadriglia. (Collection Carmelo Biz)
SP.3 6706 of the 37a Squadriglia.
SP.3 6719, the airplane in which commander Scarioni lost his life. A searchlight is installed in the nose. (Collection De Vicari)
A line of SP.3 "round fuselage" of the 31a Squadriglia, the first one is 6727.
Above: SP.3s "round fuselage" of the 23a Squadriglia. (SHAA88-729)
The airfield at Castello di Godego; in the forefront there are French Nieuports, Sopwiths and Dorands, in the top left there is the Italian part of the field, where a Caudron G.4 of the 48a Squadriglia and an SP.3 of the 27a Squadriglia can be seen.
A minor accident to an SP.2 of the 23a Squadriglia.
A bad landing for SP.3 4337 of the 36a Squadriglia.
An Austrian soldier inspects the wreck of SP.3 4507, abandoned without engine.
A captain, probably Jannoni Sebastianini, checks an SP written off during the transfer of the squadron from San Pietro al Campo to Santa Giustina on 28 June 1917; the emblem of the SIA factory can be seen.
SP.4 3197 of the 61a Squadriglia.
An SP.4 of the 61a Squadriglia at Villaverla in September 1917. (Archive Caliaro)
An SP.4 of the 62a Squadriglia.
The SP.4 in use at the 62a Squadriglia had many defects and were not appreciated.
Pomilio SP.4 was delivered to the Royal Air Force at Villaverla on 16 June 1918. The second man from the right is the Canadian ace William G. Barker. (Archive Caliaro)
On 14 June 1918 SP.4 #5253 crashed due to an engine failure with the crew of serg. Attilio Gasperini, s.ten. oss. Alberto Cassol, and Arturo Marzari. S.ten. Cassol was killed.
SIA 7B1 #5838, 22a Squadriglia, Casoni Aerodrome, Spring 1918
SIA 7B1 #5998, Ten. Carusi Albamonte, Ten. Fedele, 32a Squadriglia, June 1918
SIA7B1 #6014, 24a Squadriglia, Spring 1918
SIA 7B 5803 of the 36a Squadriglia.
SIA 7B 5838 of the 22a Squadriglia at Casoni airfield.
SIA 7B 5865 of the 36a Squadriglia.
SIA 7B 5930 of the 35a Squadriglia. This airplane was lost, captured by the Austrians, on 15 January 1918.
SIA 7B of the 32a Squadriglia, the one in the back, serial 5998, crashed on 22 June 1918 killing its crew.
Two SIA 7B of the 32a Squadriglia, both without defensive armament.
SIA 7B 6009 of the 27a Squadriglia at Castello di Godego.
The fuselage of SIA 7B 6014.
SIA 7B 6035 of the 22a Squadriglia, behind it a SAML of the 114a Squadriglia can be seen. (Collection Lepore)
SIA 7B 8309 of the 28a Squadriglia showing an unusual exhaust collector pipe. (Archive Caliaro)
Pilots and observers of the 24a Squadriglia in front of a SIA 7B.
Sergente maggiore Camillo Sirigatti was a gallant pilot, who was awarded two Silver Medals. Here he is in front of a SIA 7B.
SIA 7B with pilot serg. Giuseppe Ruffato of the 22a Squadriglia.
A SIA 7B of the 35a Squadriglia got stuck in the mud.
Austrian soldiers posing in front of SIA 7B 6012 captured on 17 April 1918.
SIA 7B of the 22a Squadriglia and, in the background, SAML of the 114a Squadriglia at Casoni. (Archive Caliaro)
SIA 7B of the 36a Squadriglia at Casoni airfield. (Archive Caliaro)
SP.3 4615 and 4676 of the 33a Squadriglia; behind them a SIA 7B of the 32a Squadriglia can be seen.
About 170 SIA 7B2 were built, and many reached the front before all SIAs were grounded. It offered better frontal vision to the pilot than the SIA 7B1, but it was just as unsafe.
One of the countless accidents of cpr. Dario Baccioni on the SIA 7B.
Another SIA 7B written off.
SIA 7B 6014 of the 24a Squadriglia victim of a ground collision.
Although a large number of SIA 7B2 reached the front, photographs of this version are almost non-existent. This is crashed SIA 7B2 8395. (Archive Paolo Monti)
One of the many accidents of the SIA 7B, this is 8512 of the 28a Squadriglia.
The 29a Squadriglia was equipped with the excellent French Breguet 14 A2, too late to take part in the war.
Caudron G.3, 42a Squadriglia
Caudron G.3 653 was shot down on 22 September 1916.
A Caudron G.3 of the 44a Squadriglia.
A Caudron G.3 of the 44a Squadriglia.
Pilots and observers of the 42a Squadriglia with Caudron G.3 597.
Caudron G.3 1758 showing damage on its top wing.
A Caudron G.3 of the 46a Squadriglia at Nove di Bassano. (Collection De Vicari)
A Caudron G.3 of the 44a Squadriglia.
These airmen went into battle on the unarmed Caudron G.3 well into 1917.
Caudron G.3 1072 with pilot aspirante Silvio Scaroni. (Archive Iozzi)
A Farman in the forefront, and four Caudron G.3s at Nove airfield. (Archive Caliaro)
A Caudron G.3 of the 42a Squadriglia, going into battle unarmed.
Caudron G.3 1084 of the 43a Squadriglia.
Carlo Magno Grandinetti flying into battle dressed like a Native American to scare the Austrians into believing that the United States had already entered the war.
A Caudron G.3 of the 42a Squadriglia with some personal markings: the usual Happy Hooligan and an eagle.
The Caudron G.3 of s.ten. Santagiuliana turned over at Nove airfield. (Archive Caliaro)
On the nose of this Caudron the name of the unit is written in small characters as 48a. Sqa.
Caudron G.4 4333 of the 43a Squadriglia.
Caudron G.4 2062 of the 43a Squadriglia; behind it is a Nieuport 17 of the defense flight attached to this unit. (Archive Achille Vigna)
A Caudron G.4 of 48a Squadriglia; under the engines are trays to collect lubrication oil.
Three outstanding pilots of the 48a Squadriglia: Finzi, Massoni, and Palli, who all were later assigned to the crack 87a Squadriglia.
Apparently obsolete, the Caudron G.4 was appreciated, as it was particularly effective in a mountain environment. (Museo del Risorgimento Vicenza)
Caudron G.4 C.2059 in the snow at San Pietro al Campo.
Three Caudron G.4s of the 2a Sezione of the 48a Squadriglia detached at Feltre airfield in June 1917. (Europeana)
The airfield at Castello di Godego; in the forefront there are French Nieuports, Sopwiths and Dorands, in the top left there is the Italian part of the field, where a Caudron G.4 of the 48a Squadriglia and an SP.3 of the 27a Squadriglia can be seen.
The Caudron of Natale Palli takes off for a bombing mission to Moena, 25 August 1916.
The defense position on a Caudron G.4 with a Villar Perosa machine pistol.
The Caudron G.4 of Laghini and Contratti wrecked after flying in a storm on 29 August 1917.
The airfield at Castello di Godego; in the forefront there are French Nieuports, Sopwiths and Dorands, in the top left there is the Italian part of the field, where a Caudron G.4 of the 48a Squadriglia and an SP.3 of the 27a Squadriglia can be seen.
A Farman of the 47a Squadriglia at Dudular; behind it there are French Farman 40 two-seaters and Nieuport fighters.
Farman MF.11s in service in Macedonia.
An Italian Farman MF and a French Farman F.40 with searchlights at Dudular.
Hanriot HD.1, 70a Squadriglia
Hanriot HD.1 #6252, Ten. Enrico Guglielmotti, 70a Squadriglia, Summer 1918
Hanriot HD.1 #11434, Ten. Guglielmotti, 70a Squadriglia
Hanriot HD.1 #11432 72a Squadriglia
Hanriot HD.1, 72a Squadriglia
Hanriot HD.1, 72a Squadriglia, 1920s
A Hanriot of cap. Omizzolo, commander of the 72a Squadriglia with personal marking on the rudder: a shield with the eagle of Trento and the lion of Venice, and the letters HD 1916J3. (Archive Giorgio Catellani)
Ten. Archibugi in a shining Hanriot, with a little flag attached to the wing strut. (Archive Giorgio Catellani)
The Hanriot HD.1s of the 72a Squadriglia, the first one is French-built c/n 542, carrying the Italian serial number 11432.
Another line of Hanriots, showing different placement of Lion of St. Mark insignia. The first one has the finish of a Macchi-built one, but its rudder shows French style stencils. Its serial number, 6139, gives no clue, as it belongs to a batch that was assigned indifferently to French- and Italian-built machines.
Hanriot 11403 of sold. Franzi that force landed at Stenico.
The 72a Squadriglia went on flying the Hanriot until the mid-Twenties, now having as insignia a prancing black lion.
Ten. Guglielmotti in front of Hanriot 11434 with an insignia of his 13th Bersaglieri Regiment.
Pilots of the 70a Squadriglia in front of Hanriot 6252 of ten. Guglielmotti, in the center, showing on the fin the collar tabs of the Bersaglieri troops.
A Hanriot Hd.1 of the 70a Squadriglia with a checkerboard tail.
The Hanriot 11411 of cap. Flaminio Avet at Gazzo, 28 October 1918. On the top wing, besides the individual number 3 and two diagonal bands, there are little roundels over the holes of enemy bullets.
A long line of Hanriots of the 70a Squadriglia; the first one carries as personal marking the flag of Sardinia, with a red cross and four heads of blindfolded Moors.
Line-up of Spads and Hanriots of the 70a Squadriglia with a variety of individual markings.
The funeral of cap. Luigi Bourlot, on the left there is Hanriot 13214 of the 80a Squadriglia. (Archive Scroccaro)
A line of Spads and a Hanriot of the 71a Squadriglia at Castelgomberto. (Archive Caliaro)
At the end of the war, Italian fighter squadrons were powerful units, fielding 18 fighters, with the plan of having 36 pilots and 36 planes in 1919; here the 70a Squadriglia with a mix of Spads and Hanriots and, first from the left, a single Balilla.
Austrian soldiers posing with the captured Hanriot of the 72a Squadriglia, that now has a repaired fin and Iron Cross markings. (Archive Caliaro)
An accident to an Hanriot of the 72a Squadriglia.
The fatal accident of ten. Archibugi.
The crashed Hanriot 19438 of ten. Suali, the last Italian aviation casualty in the Great War.
(Antonio Iozzi) Italian Hanriot HD.1 in combat with an Austro-Hungarian Albatros D.III.
Farman MF.11 #821, 29a Squadriglia, Spring 1916
Farman MF.11 #1519, 30a Squadriglia, Spring 1916
Swiss policemen guard the Farman of serg. Alberto and cap. Giammarco that landed in Switzerland on 23 June 1916. (Archive De Antoni)
Another Farman of the 41a Squadriglia.
A new Farman MF, serial 472?, at Valona, for the 34a Squadriglia.
The first Farmans of the 33a Squadriglia; serials 433 and 526 can be seen.
Farman 758 of the 72a Squadriglia armed just with a machine pistol.
Airmen of the 27a Squadriglia with Farman 771; the second is Carlo Adamoli, the third is Roberto De Anna, a volunteer from Mexico. (Archive Caliaro)
Farman 787 of the 27a Squadriglia with the Mexican pilot De Anna, still with the rank of corporal. (Archive Caliaro)
Captain Venanzi, commander of the 29a Squadriglia, in front of Farman 821.
Farman 852 of the 47a Squadriglia.
Farman of the 34a Squadriglia.
Men of the 30a Squadriglia in front of Farman 1519 marked with a dark band across the fuselage.
The observer ten. Luigi Premoli, a gallant airman, decorated with two Silver medals. His collar tabs indicate a cavalry Regiment.
Another able pilot of the 30a Squadriglia, maresciallo (warrant officer) Zelindo Pancani.
A well-managed emergency landing of Farman 1931 draws the attention of soldiers and children.
Farman 1974 of the 72a Squadriglia, now armed with a Fiat machine gun.
Farman 1974 of the 45a Squadriglia with commander capt. Ottorino Mufti in the front seat.
Farman 2573 of the 47a Squadriglia in Macedonia, with strong defensive armament of two Fiat guns.
Farman MF 2584 of the 41a Squadriglia.
Serg. Michele Allasia, second from the right, was initially a pilot at the 37a Squadriglia, then an ace with the 77a Squadriglia. He died in the crash of a SVA on 20 July 1918.
Some fooling around for the pilots of the 45a Squadriglia.
Personnel of the 30a Squadriglia.
M.llo Pancani with a late production Farman MF in dark finish and with a drop shaped tank over the top wing.
Farman of the 28a Squadriglia at Chiasiellis.
Farmans of the 30a Squadriglia; the first one seems to have some dark color on wings and tailplanes, while the other ones are in natural linen.
Farmans of the 34a Squadriglia at Tahiraqua, Albania.
Farmans of the 30a Squadriglia at Chiasiellis airfield.
A Farman of the 30a Squadriglia in flight.
Farmans of the 32a Squadriglia at Villaverla, serials 1501 and 1941 can be seen.
A line-up of brand new Farmans of the 29a Squadriglia at Cavazzo Carnico.
Farmans on the bay of Valona, Albania.
A Farman of the 47a Squadriglia at Dudular; behind it there are French Farman 40 two-seaters and Nieuport fighters.
Farmans of the 28a Squadriglia at Chiasiellis.
An Italian Farman MF and a French Farman F.40 with searchlights at Dudular.
1474 and other Farmans of the 28a Squadriglia in their hangar at Villaverla.
Aviatik A.697 of 3a Squadriglia, behind it a Farman.
A Farman in the forefront, and four Caudron G.3s at Nove airfield. (Archive Caliaro)
The fuselage of Farman 857, shot down on 4 July 1916, exhibited for the population. The two men in the center seem to be the Italian crew in captivity. (Archive Zoltan Czirok)
A wrecked Farman of the 37a Squadriglia.
On 17 August 1916 a storm wrecked some of the airplanes of the 37a Squadriglia.
Being billeted at Bergamo, a medium-sized town, the airmen of the 37a Squadriglia were able to have their own postcards printed.
A Nieuport 10, 386, of the 1a Squadriglia Caccia in maintenance at Santa Caterina.
Francesco Baracca in the cockpit of Nieuport 10 383 at Santa Caterina.
Luigi Olivari in front of a Nieuport 10 armed with a Lewis gun.
Nieuport 11 Ni.1685, Ten. Fulco di Calabria, 70a Squadriglia, Summer 1916
Cap. Matteo Scarpis in Nieuport 11 1451.
Nieuport 11 1451, the airplane in which Baracca scored his first victories.
Macchi-built Nieuports 1608 and 1643 of the 70a Squadriglia.
Macchi-built Ni. 11 1685 of ten. Ruffo di Calabria, armed with a Colt machine gun, with the first version of his skull and crossbones insignia
Ten. Sabelli in Nieuport 11 1766 of the 71a Squadriglia at Cascina Farello. (Archives Paolo Varriale)
A line-up of the 70a Squadriglia; four Nieuport 11 and three Nieuport 17.
Sergente Fermo Macchi in a Nieuport 11.
Silvio Amico, who died in an accident on 22 March 1916, in a French Nieuport 11.
Francesco Baracca and his mechanics in front of a Nieuport 11; the Italian colors of green and red are painted under the upper wings.
Sergeants Dino Menegoni and Edoardo Olivero, from Argentina, two goods pilots of the 71a Squadriglia, with an artillery sergeant.
The fatal crash of Nieuport 11 1662 of serg. Gentili on 16 January 1917. (Archive Roberto Bassi)
Nieuport 17 Ni.2140, Sergente Guilo Poli, 70a Squadriglia, Spring 1917
Nieuport 17 #3139, Ten. Fulco Ruffo di Calabri, 70a Squadriglia
Nieuport 17 #3647, 71a Squadriglia, Winter 1916/17, Villaverla Aerodrome
Cap. Giorgio Chiaperotti in a brand-new French Nieuport 17 at Villaverla.The photo is signed with a dedication to his Group commander. (Archive De Antoni).
Italian-built Nieuport 17 3647 of the 71a Squadriglia at Villaverla.
A Macchi-built Nie.17, presumably Vickers-armed. The presentation of the serial number, Ni.3647, is typical of Italian practice, and it is noteworthy that the roundels on the upper wing do not extend over the ailerons.
A Macchi-built Nie.17, presumably Vickers-armed. The presentation of the serial number, Ni.3647, is typical of Italian practice, and it is noteworthy that the roundels on the upper wing do not extend over the ailerons.
French-built Nieuport 17 3123 and a Spad of 71a Squadriglia at Villaverla. The pilot is the gallant serg. Francesco Tola, who earned two Silver Medals.
Three French-built Nieuport 17s, the first one of serg. Poli, the second one, with skull and crossbones, of ten. Ruffo, and the third one, with the prancing horse, of cap. Baracca.
A line-up of the 70a Squadriglia; four Nieuport 11 and three Nieuport 17.
Caudron G.4 2062 of the 43a Squadriglia; behind it is a Nieuport 17 of the defense flight attached to this unit. (Archive Achille Vigna)
Spad S.VII S.1390 (or 1398), Ten. Flaminio Avet, 70a Squadriglia, October 1918
Spad S.VII, 70a Squadriglia
Spad S.VII, 70a Squadriglia
Spad S.VII Erica, 71a Squadriglia, 1917
Spad S.7 OCIO!, 71a Squadriglia, 1917
Spad S.7, Cap. Ettore Croce, 71a Squadriglia
Another Spad "7" with the insignia "Ocio!!!" (watch out!)
Spad "7" of the 71a Squadriglia with the name "Enrica".
Cap. Flaminio Avet in a striped Bleriot-built Spad 7.
Another Spad 7 of the 70a Squadriglia with striped fuselage; the pilot is fen. Tacchi Venturi.
Line-up of Spads and Hanriots of the 70a Squadriglia with a variety of individual markings.
A line-up of Spads of the 71a Squadriglia.
A line of Spads and a Hanriot of the 71a Squadriglia at Castelgomberto. (Archive Caliaro)
At the end of the war, Italian fighter squadrons were powerful units, fielding 18 fighters, with the plan of having 36 pilots and 36 planes in 1919; here the 70a Squadriglia with a mix of Spads and Hanriots and, first from the left, a single Balilla.
An early Spad 7, without shutters for the radiator. The technician wears an arm band indicating that he is a civilian assigned to military service. (Archive Caliaro)
A Spad 7 with a personal insignia, possibly of cap. Ettore Croce.
A Spad 7 of the 71a Squadriglia, maybe the one of ace Antonio Amantea. (Archive Paolo Monti)
French-built Nieuport 17 3123 and a Spad of 71a Squadriglia at Villaverla. The pilot is the gallant serg. Francesco Tola, who earned two Silver Medals.
A bad landing for the Spad of serg. Macchi, 25 June 1917.
The fatal accident of cap. Croce on 31 May 1918.
A French Spad 13 with the insignia of a squirrel; behind it, a Pomilio of the 48a Squadriglia.
Spad "Enrica IIIa", the pilot is s.ten. Agostino ConsigIi
Voisin III #659, 26a Squadriglia
Voisin, 25a Squadriglia
Baracchini leaning from the cockpit of Voisin 659.
The playful photographs of the airmen of the 25a Squadriglia are proof of the high morale and esprit de corps of this outstanding unit.
A line-up of Voisins at Pozzuolo del Friuli.
A Voisin with Isotta Fraschini engine of 25a Squadriglia with a full load of bombs and a Fiat and Villar Perosa guns. (Archive Caliaro)
Voisin 2094 with Canton Unne engine of the 35a Squadriglia. The airmen are holding 162-mm 50 pound bombs. (Archive Caliaro)
A group of high officers visits the 25a Squadriglia; the Voisin behind them carries no gun, but in front of the cockpit there is a good luck charm doll.
Officers of the 25a Squadriglia with a Voisin marked with a white band.
Gabriele d'Annunzio with the airmen of the 25a Squadriglia.
Commander Calleri Di Sala and other airmen in front of a late-production Voisin, serial 208?, with Canton Unne engine. (Archive Caliaro)
Massimo Adolfo Vitale, a Jew, was a veteran of the Libyan war. Later he was commander of the flying school at Gioia del Colle, using Voisins, and then creator of the Italian Air Force in the colonies of Somalia and Eritrea. He left Italy in 1938, returned in 1945, and created a network for the search of information on Italian Jews victims of the Holocaust.
A Voisin with Canton Unne engine of 25a Squadriglia at Santa Maria La Longa.
S.ten. Luciano Bianchi flew Gabriele d'Annunzio at the 25a Squadriglia. In the cockpit of the Voisin there is a bullet hole with the caption "Nabresina 13 January 1916".
Airmen of the 35a Squadriglia wearing helms and armor, an equipment that was immediately rejected.
Captain Minellono testing, and rejecting, the steel armor and helm offered to airmen.
Voisin 1346 of the 35a Squadriglia in flight.
Voisins of the 35a Squadriglia in front of the peculiar hangar of Campoformido.