Macchi C.205V "Veltro" ("Greyhound")

On September 8, 1943, Italy surrendered to the Allies and Mussolini was imprisoned. The Germans invaded Italy and rescued Hitler's old friend. Mussolini was allowed to found the ``Repubblica Sociale Italiana'', which continued the war against the Allies and the Kingdom of Italy in the south. Nino joined the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana, the air force of the newly formed fascist state. He was assigned to the 2a Squadriglia, 1o Gruppo Caccia (2nd Squadron, 1st Fighter Group). The 1o Gruppo started at Lagnasco (Cuneo) and then moved to Campoformido (Udine). Later it was transfered to Reggio Emilia, Orio al Serio, Lonate Pozzolo. The 1o Gruppo was equipped with the Macchi C.205V Veltro, one of the best Italian fighters.

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].


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