Nino and his comrades of the 2a Squadriglia pose in front of a Macchi C.205V Veltro (Nino is first from left). Camouflage colours are Nocciola Chiaro 4 (Hazel Brown) uppersurface with Verde Oliva Scuro 2 (Dark Olive Green) splotches and Grigio Azzurro Chiaro 1 (Light Blue Grey) undersurface.
Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana markings consisted of Italian flags
on the tailfin and fuselage, plus fasces on the wings.
The ANR's
Italian flag marking was the standard green/white/red vertical bars,
without the King's coat of arms that normally appeared on Italian
flags.
The flag was rimmed on three sides
with a fringe consisting of small yellow triangles. The fourth side of
the flag, that facing the nose of the aircraft, was a solid thin yellow
bar representing a flag staff. The wing fasces was applied to the
upper surface of both port and starboard wings, and usually to both
lower wing surfaces as well. These fasces markings differed from
the previous fascist fasces. There were two staffs rather than three,
and the staffs were facing opposite directions. Also, the fasces were
enclosed in a square rather than a circle. There were several
variations of this fasces insignia using various black/white colorings.
Sometimes a white fuselage band was also applied.
On this aircraft, the Italian flag appears to have been painted
without the usual yellow fringe and flagstaff. Camouflage seems to be
roughly applied.
The "Vespa Arrabiata" (Angry Wasp) was the emblem of Nino's Squadriglia.
The insignia of this C.205V Veltro comply with regulations.
All the men of the 2a Squadriglia. This photo was taken by the SS "Kriegsberichter" (war reporter) Joesef Schifko. Unfortunately, the photo has deteriorated badly over the years.
The cowboy and his horse!
Nino, S.Ten. Lugari and a ground crew member [courtesy of F. D'Amico].
Nino sitting on the wing of his Veltro [courtesy of F. D'Amico].
Nino climbing into the cockpit of his warbird [courtesy of F. D'Amico].
Next chapter: Epilogue