30.05.2008, 15:46
Posted this over at Simhq, thought it may generate a little interest here as well...
As I love all aspects of this monumental battle, I've just finished reading 'The Chianti Raiders'.. some of you will already recognise that this title is all about the CAI's involvement in the Battle of Britain....
![[Image: Chianti_Raiders.jpg]](http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/TROOPER117/SimHQ%20Screenshots/Chianti_Raiders.jpg)
I have to say it's an absolutely superb read, covering the 'Corpo Aereo Italiano'(CAI) and it's role, from the autumn of 1940 through to it's withdrawal in the spring of 1941. Not only the battle is covered, but the forming of the various units, and their adventures on route to their operational bases in Belgium, plus activities of captured italian aircrews in British PoW camps etc..
Historical information is covered on the sorties flown, with eyewitness accounts from surviving RAF and CAI pilots and aircrew, plus the on the spot accounts from the civilian population from the east coast of England who witnessed the action.
The Italians aircraft types are also looked at: Which consisted of two x bomber groups (Fiat BR 20M's)..
A fighter wing.. (Mainly CR 42's, with a contingent of the then new Fiat G-50's)..
A tactical recce sqn.. (Cant Z1007 Bis)
With a liason and communication detachment.. (Capron.Ca 164's, and a single SM S.75)..
The book is superb, and shows the battle from the Italian side in their own indomitable style and ways. Using out of date aircraft, most without radios, and poor tactics, but with lots of guts and bravery, it's a truly wizard read chaps, and I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the Battle of Britain..
Note.. The CR42 pictured above is now currently residing in the RAF Museum at Hendon. It's still in the same colour scheme and markings.. I've been to see it recently, and standing next to it, it really puts into perspective the actual circumstances of its appearance over English skies, and the events leading up to its crash landing on the shingle beach at Orfordness.. Living history at its best!
As I love all aspects of this monumental battle, I've just finished reading 'The Chianti Raiders'.. some of you will already recognise that this title is all about the CAI's involvement in the Battle of Britain....
I have to say it's an absolutely superb read, covering the 'Corpo Aereo Italiano'(CAI) and it's role, from the autumn of 1940 through to it's withdrawal in the spring of 1941. Not only the battle is covered, but the forming of the various units, and their adventures on route to their operational bases in Belgium, plus activities of captured italian aircrews in British PoW camps etc..
Historical information is covered on the sorties flown, with eyewitness accounts from surviving RAF and CAI pilots and aircrew, plus the on the spot accounts from the civilian population from the east coast of England who witnessed the action.
The Italians aircraft types are also looked at: Which consisted of two x bomber groups (Fiat BR 20M's)..
A fighter wing.. (Mainly CR 42's, with a contingent of the then new Fiat G-50's)..
A tactical recce sqn.. (Cant Z1007 Bis)
With a liason and communication detachment.. (Capron.Ca 164's, and a single SM S.75)..
The book is superb, and shows the battle from the Italian side in their own indomitable style and ways. Using out of date aircraft, most without radios, and poor tactics, but with lots of guts and bravery, it's a truly wizard read chaps, and I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the Battle of Britain..
Note.. The CR42 pictured above is now currently residing in the RAF Museum at Hendon. It's still in the same colour scheme and markings.. I've been to see it recently, and standing next to it, it really puts into perspective the actual circumstances of its appearance over English skies, and the events leading up to its crash landing on the shingle beach at Orfordness.. Living history at its best!
