Hikoki Publications

Courage Alone: The Italian Air force 1940-1943

by  Chris Dunning

Reviewed By  Chris Durden, IPMS #29474

MSRP: $56.95 ISBN: 13: 9781902109091 Website: www.specialtypress.com First off, this is a hefty and handsome volume and a far cry from the original paperback version published in 1998. I spent a considerable time just flipping through the pages looking at the almost 250 photographs and 100 profile illustrations before I actually sat down to read the volume in detail. The Author has done his homework and he delves into details concerning the structure, theatres of operations, training and group structure of the wartime Italian Air Force. Every squadriglie is covered including fighter, bomber and reconnaissance units and with information on where they were based, what they flew and when. In some ways dry, these unit synopses still provide glimpses into the operations and to the ultimate demise of the Regia Aeronautica – "By June the unit (6 Gruppo CT) was back in the homeland defending northern Italy with its few remaining airworthy fighters. On 7 September it had no serviceable aircraft left". There is even a short chapter devoted to the plans for the carrier Aquila with photographs of the ship itself and its intended aircraft. Additional chapters on unit markings, service markings, pilot training and a concluding discussion of the ultimate causes of the Italian Air Forces defeat are well laid out and easy to follow. I gained a much fuller understanding of how the Italian Air Force operated and I think I may even be able to make sense of the bewildering breakdowns of gruppo, squadriglie and autonomous guppi! By far the modeler will appreciate the collection of photographs, profiles and the chapter on camouflage. An easy to follow chart actually lays out the different styles, theatres, colors and service year of the various finishes. Certainly many of these photographs have appeared elsewhere, but never in one volume and for such an informative purpose – I appreciated the detailed captions. Overall an excellent book, one that should find its way on to your shelf, especially if you are interested in the Mediterranean theatre of operations or specifically the Regia Aeronautica. Highly recommended. My thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy.