Most aviation enthusiasts are aware of the role played by the German Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939. There has been quite a bit written about it as Spain was used as a testing ground for German equipment and tactics. However, little has been available on the Italian contribution to the Nationalist cause.

Spain was the first major air war since the end of WWI and in order to help out a kindred cause, Mussolini sent a rather large contingent of Italian aircraft and pilots. The greatest number of aircraft sent to Spain were what was eventually 477 CR.32 fighters. These were, for the most part, piloted by Italian Air Force men who were, like the Condor Legion folks, given false names and passports to try to hide their real identity. Of course, this ploy fooled almost no one. However, the Italians, unlike the Germans, were very successful from the start. The CR.32 was an excellent fighter with good speed and maneuverability. It was able to oppose the predominantly French aircraft that the Republicans were using with some ease and even when the Russians started sending more modern aircraft, it was also able to claim victories over quite a few of their aircraft. In fact, during the war, 709 confirmed and and additional 320 claimed kills were credited to the CR.32 with a loss of only 62 aircraft in aerial combat.

Thanks to author Alfredo Logoluso, we now have an account of the exploits of these men in an English volume. Told in chronological order, we are given the stories of a considerable number of pilots who made ace status during the war. Not all of them were Italian as Spaniards were also flying the CR.32 as well as pilots from other countries looking for fame and glory. As is typical of this series, there are a goodly number of personal insights into the various battles that took place. We follow the CR.32 units as they moved from sector to sector where they were most needed.

When you combine great prose with the superlative period photos of the men and their aircraft along with an outstanding selection of color profiles, then you have a book that is both interesting and informative. It makes for a great read and is one that I have no trouble recommending to you.

July 2010

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