All new books about the RegiaAeronautica in English are welcome and Marco Mattioli's new book in Osprey's Aviation Elite Units series is no exception. Mr. Mattioli is a new writer to me even if I know that he is a writer that has made some books and been published in several Italian history magazines. The book, in Osprey's well-known format, follows the 53o Stormo from the formation in 1936 until the surrender in 1943 in all the theaters of war that they fought in. During its time, the unit flew Fiat CR.32s, Fiat CR.42s, Fiat G.50bis, Macchi CMC.200s, Macchi MC.202s and finally Bf 109s. Several pilots covered on my site (which is credited in the bibliography) is present in the book including Medaglia d'oro winners Giorgio Graffer, Luigi Mariotti, Ernesto Trevisi, Guglielmo Chiarini, Giovanni Accorsi and Furio Lauri; the last of them being the only one "surviving" the award! The book includes some to me new photos and some well known. All-in-all the book is a nice addition to my library of books about the Italian Air Force. Recommended!
Rating 9/10
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