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Italian Aces of World War 2
G. Massimello and G. Apostolo - OS1000
Flying aircraft such as the Macchi 200-202, Fiat G.50 and biplane Fiat CR.42, Italian
fighter pilots were recognised by their Allied counterparts as brave opponents blessed with
sound flying abilities. Following the Italian armistice in September 1943, a number of aces
continued to take the fight to the Allies as part of the ANR, which was equipped with far more
potent equipment such as the Bf 109G/K, Macchi 205V, Re.2005 and Fiat G.55. Flying these types,
the handful of ANR squadrons continued to oppose Allied bombing raids on northern Italy until the
end of World War 2. Authord by one of the feremost authors in this area Giorgio Apostolo and
Giovanni Massimello. Illustrated by Richard J. Caruana. 96 pages. Paperback.
Savoia-Marchetti S.79 Sparviero Torpedo-Bomber Units #106
by Marco Mattioli (Author), Richard Caruana (Illustrator) - OS1001
Italy's most successful wartime bomber, the S.79 saw combat with the Regia Aeronautica in France, Yugoslavia, Greece, North Africa, East Africa and in the Mediterranean. Initially developed as a transport, the aircraft evolved into a dedicated medium bomber during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. The manufacturer then produced the S.79-II torpedo-bomber which entered service in 1939 - which primarily saw service against the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean. Illustrated with 30 full colour profiles of the main units that saw action with either the Regia Aeronautica or the ANR, this title is the first of two volumes to cover the development history and wartime performance of the S.79.
Savoia-Marchetti S.79 Sparviero Bomber Units #122
by Marco Mattioli (Author), Richard Caruana (Illustrator) - OS1002
Initially developed by Savoia-Marchetti as a transport, the aircraft had evolved into a dedicated medium bomber by the time the S.79-I made its combat debut in the Spanish Civil War in 1936. During World War 2, it became Italy's most successful bomber, and the most produced, with around 1370 built between 1936 and early 1944. Although initially hampered by poor tactics, the S.79 bomber crews nonetheless scored sunk a number of Allied vessels, and provided a constant threat to Allied sailors in the Mediterranean in the early stages of the war. In East Africa and the Red Sea the Sparvieri were the most modern bombers in-theatre, proving a challenge to RAF and SAAF biplane fighters.
Using specially commissioned full-colour artwork, first-hand accounts and historic photographs, this volume chronicles the history of the S.79's war in the Mediterranean, North African, Balkan, and East African theatres.
Malta 1940-42: The Axis' air battle for Mediterranean supremacy
(Air Campaign Book 4) by R. Noppen, G. Turner - OS1003
In 1940, the strategically vital island of Malta was Britain's last toehold in the central
Mediterranean, wreaking havoc among Axis shipping. Launching an air campaign to knock Malta out
of the war, first Italy and then Germany sought to force a surrender or reduce the defences
enough to allow an invasion. Drawing on original documents, multilingual aviation analyst Ryan
Noppen explains how technical and tactical problems caused the original Italian air campaign of
1940-41 to fail, and then how the German intervention came close to knocking Malta out of the
war. Using stunning full colour artwork, this fascinating book explains why the attempt by the
Axis powers to take the British colony of Malta ultimately failed, although it should be
pointed out that a major combined operation "Esigenza C3" of German and Italian naval and airborne
units in 1942 would likely have succeeded.
A detailed examination of one of Italy's leading units in World War 2, 53° Stormo
saw action on the French Front, the Balkans, in North Africa and the
Mediterranean in some of the most iconic Italian fighters of the conflict
- CR.32/42, Fiat G.50, Macchi C.200 and C.202, as well as the Bf 109G,
53° Stormo fought its final actions over Rome, Torino and Milan.
Featuring first-hand accounts, numerous photos and colorful artwork,
this book is a great reference for the modeler or the enthusiast.
Aviation Elite Units 38; 128 pages.
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Fiat CR.32 Aces of the Spanish Civil War - OS1094
The CR.32 Freccia was a handsome and highly maneuverable biplane fighter.
During General Franco's fight with the Republicans for the control
of Spain from 1936-39, no fewer than 477 CR.32s were involved, with
an astounding 709 confirmed aerial victories, and an additional 320 kills
claimed, for just 62 losses. As these statistics reveal, the CR.32 was
the unrivalled master of the skies over Spain. By the war's end, the five
leading aces of the conflict were all Spanish CR.32 pilots. Their exploits,
and those of the other leading CR.32 aces, are examined for the first time
in English in this exciting volume. Aircraft of the Aces 94; 96 pages.
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Italian WWI Aces - OS1089
The Italian aces of World War 1 have gone down in history as the irrefutable masters of the
skies in the battle against their Austro-Hungarian enemies. In this often forgotten theater
of warfare these remarkable pilots gave the Italian forces an undisputed air superiority and
left an enduring legacy as extraordinary men. Having interviewed the descendants of almost
every Italian ace from the Great War, Paolo Varriale uncovers these fighters'
incredible and sometimes tragic histories. Years of painstaking research has culminated
in this truly groundbreaking study which brings to life the exploits of such famous
aces as Baracca, Ruffo and Piccio, and the lesser known Riva, Sabelli and Nardini.
Letters, diaries and unpublished photographs shed light on previously unknown
personal and unit insignia, exposing many myths and making this a commanding
addition to the aviation history of World War I. 96 pages.
Paolo Varriale is the Curator of the Baracca Museum and a World War I consultant to the
Italian Air Force Historical Office, which has published his tomes on Italian World War 1
aviation units and aces. A staff writer of the online aerospace journal Dedalo News
(www.dedalonews.it), he is widely published in Italian and foreign aviation magazines.
A life-long enthusiast of vintage aircraft, he served for many years on the Board of
Directors of GAVS (Italian historical aircraft preservation association), and has
participated in the restoration of various aircraft.
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Fiat CR.42 Aces of WWII - OS1047
Authored by Hakan Gustavsson and Ludovico Slongo and illustrated by Richard Caruana.
The Fiat CR.42, a logical development of the Fiat CR.32, was the last single-seat
fighter biplane to be produced. It entered service with the Italian Regia Aeronautica
in May 1939 before being exported to Belgium, Hungary and Sweden and was an
excellent airplane. Its combat debut came when the Belgian air force threw its
fleet into action during the German invasion of the Low Countries on 10th May
1940. Despite being quickly overwhelmed, the Belgian pilots managed to make a
number of aerial claims. The CR.42 became heavily involved in the fighting in
North Africa and although it was replaced by more modern fighters, it continued
in a point defense and ground support role until the end of the war.
Drawing on research from a range of sources, this book examines the extensive employment
of the Italian fighter plane during the course of World War II. Trade Paperback, 96 pages.
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SPAD XII/XIII Aces of WWI - OS1047
SPAD XII/XIII Aces of World War 1 (SC). Guttman. Aircraft of the Aces 47.
The SPAD XIII enjoyed great success on the Western Front in WW I and was used by French,
Italian, British, and American pilots - includes good coverage of Italian aces flying
the Spad VII/XIII. 77a and 91a Squadriglie. Color profile of SPAD XIII of Capt. Franceso
Baracca. Numerous B&W photos, 40 full color profiles. Apendices & index. 96 pgs.
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Italian Battleships of WWII - OS2182
Italy's navy, the Regia Marina was the fourth-largest naval force in the world at the outbreak of World War II,
and yet is often overlooked. This book details why the Italian battleships were able to maintain a
solid reputation, examining their impressive designs and the courage and determination of the fleet
at Calabria, Sirte, Cape Spartiveto and Cape Matapan, all illustrated with stunning photographs from
the Italian Navy's own archives. New Vanguard 182; Stille; 48 pages.
Italian Arditi Elite Assault Troops 1917-20 (SC). Pirocchi. Warrior 87. Provides a detailed
look at the history, weapons, training, and equipment of the Italian assault units of WW I.
Includes full color artwork, data tables, maps, and dozens of B&W photos. 64 pgs.
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$15.99
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Italian Blackshirt - OS4144
This book documents the experiences of the Italian armed Fascist militia, the Camicie
Nere (Blackshirts), from the Italian-Ethiopian war of 1935-36, through the Spanish
Civil War to the end of World War II. It explores their origins, development, recruitment,
training, conditions of service, uniforms and equipment, battle experience, political
and ideological motivation. The Blackshirt legions were raised under army control from
1928, and were employed in 1933 in Libya in counterinsurgency operations against the
Senussi tribes; from 1935 in Italy's war against Ethiopia; and during the Spanish Civil
War. Following the outbreak of World War II, the Blackshirts fought in North Africa,
Greece, Croatia, on the Eastern Front and finally in Italy itself following the Allied
invasion. Warrior 144; 64 pages.
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WWII Desert Tactics - OS9162
World War II Desert Tactics. Elite 162.
From 1940 to 1943 North Africa saw the first major desert campaign by modern
mechanized armies. The British, Italians, German Afrika Korps and US Army all
addressed and learned from the special problems - human, logistical, mechanical
and tactical - of the desert environment, most significantly fighting in a terrain
empty of resources and offering little chance of concealment. Traces the fast-learned
development in armor, artillery and infantry tactics in this exceptional arena and
illustrates them with references to the major engagements in the North African theater,
which involved some of the greatest tacticians of World War II; 64 pages.
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Solferino Italy's Freedom - OS7207
Fought during the Franco-Austrian War of 1859, Solferino was the largest European
battle since Leipzig in 1813. In the presence of 3 crowned heads of state
- Napoleon III of France, Emperor Franz-Joseph of Austria, and Victor Emmanuel
II of Piedmont-Sardinia (later the King of all Italy) - the armies clashed together
in a bitterly fought contest that would leave more than 40,000 dead.
A comprehensive account of the commanders, armies, plans and aftermath of one
of the bloodiest battles of the period. Illustrated with full color artwork
and detailed maps; Campaign 207; 96 pages.
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Italian Medieval Armies - OS3376
Italian Medieval Armies 1000-1300 (SC). Nicolle. Men-at-Arms 376.
Wealthy city-states vie for power along the length of the Italian peninsula
- often helped or hindered by their neighbors. 8 full color plates, numerous
B&W illustrations of weaopns, clothing, and fortifications. Index. 48 pgs.
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Italian Militiaman 1260-1392 - OS4025
Italian Militiaman 1260-1392 (SC). Nicolle. Warrior 25.
An enlightening study of the equipment, weapons, and motivations
of medieval Italy's militiamen. Includes full color artwork, maps,
chronology, and several B&W photos. 64 pgs.
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Infamous Medieval Mercenaries - OS4115
Condottiere 1300 - 1500: Infamous Medieval Mercenaries. Warrior 115. Originally contracted
by wealthy Italian city states to protect their assets during a time of ceaseless warring,
many Condottieri became famous for their wealth, venality and amorality during the 14th
and 15th centuries. Examines their complex military organization, recruitment, training
and weaponry. Also presents the origins and motivations of these powerful and unscrupulous
men together WITH their social, political and military history. Lavishly illustrated; 64 pages.
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Roman Battle Tactics - OS9172
By 390 BC, the Roman army was in need of change, as previous Greek-style tactics of
fighting with a heavy infantry phalanx were proving increasingly outdated. A military
revolution was born in the form of the legion, a tool of war better suited to aggressive
action. Yet by the end of the 3rd century BC, Rome's prestige was shattered by the genius
of Hannibal of Carthage, causing the Romans to revise their battle tactics once more, this
time by inventing a whole new kind of soldier. This book reveals these 2 defining moments
in Roman military history and the revolution in battle tactics that they caused, examining
how the Roman army eventually became all-conquering and all-powerful. Elite 172; 64 pages.
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Early Roman Warrior - OS4156
The prototypical 'Roman Legionnaire' often seen on television and in movies
is actually the product of nearly a millennium of military development. Far back in the
Bronze Age, before the city of Rome existed, a loose collection of independent hamlets
eventually formed into a village. From this base, the earliest Roman warriors launched cattle
raids and ambushes against their enemies. At some point during this time, the Romans began a period
of expansion, conquering land and absorbing peoples. Soon, they had adopted classical Greek fighting
methods with militia forming in phalanxes. Covers the evolution of the earliest Roman warriors and
their development into an army that would eventually conquer the known world. Warrior 156; Fields;
64 pages.
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Imperial Roman Naval Forces - OS3451
The Roman Navy, although somewhat overshadowed by the legions, played an important
role for the Roman Empire. To conquer and rule its vast territories, control of the sea
lanes was essential. The fleets needed to be structured and powerful in order to dominate
the trade routes, transport legions and defend and attack against pirates and other enemies.
Under Augustus in 31BC, the navy consisted of 800 warships with many being sent to Ravenna
and Misenus in Italy, and smaller squadrons to the external coasts and to the major rivers
to support land operations. Provides a detailed re-evaluation of the vital contribution
made by the Roman Navy to Roman imperial power, covering the organization of the fleets
and the everyday life of the soldiers. Complemented by superb color reconstructions
of uniforms and equipment. Men-at-Arms 451; 48 pages.
