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Vistini's -2 CR-42

Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:24 am
by nimbus109
Seems that consensus is that he flew 'red 2' with 412 squadriglia. Just curious why the consensus is that it was 'red 2' [squadriglia role?]. Also curious as to why there are not many images/profiles of the other pure CR-42 aces. I guess it was the chaotic conditions. Thanks.

Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:36 pm
by Stefano
Not a consensus, just a guess! Actually, there is not a single image that shows codes applied on 412^'s aircraft. The 412-2 first appeared in a profile in Ali e Colori no.1. The caption correctly warned that the code was "speculative".

Image

Strangely enough (but perhaps not so strange), the code was by then commonly considered as surely the Visintini's one. Later, based on a image believed of that unit, the same artist Angelo Brioschi painted an Italian flag on spinner. But all this is purely a guess and, please, don't consider it as sure.
The only known thing is that at least one of Visintini's aircraft wore the Africa & red prancing horse badge, it seems surrounded by a blue edge to represent the sea.
As for aces on CR.42s, if you refer to freshly published Osprey's book, I need to say that in Regia Aeronautica personal claims were discouraged in order to not enhance individualism. Kills were mainly aknowledged to units. So, little is known about personal mounts of aces. Notwhistanding this, you can find in Osprey's some excellent profiles of aces' aircraft and a detailed account of most CR.42 kills.

Best wishes

Stefano

Vistini's -2 CR-42

Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 6:18 pm
by nimbus109
thanks for the help.