Italians in the Battle of Britain - RAF Finally Shows Up

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Watch part 1 if you missed it:
• Italians in the Battle...
After the initial air raids of the Corpo Aereo Italiano (Italian Air Corps) against Britain in which no RAF fighters were met, things changed on 11 November 1940. Two Hurricane and one Spitfire squadron opposed the attackers and caused them significant losses. But how heavy were the overclaims? And did the Italian CR.42 biplane fighters shoot down any RAF airplanes? Find out in this video.
Main sources:
- Håkans aviation page
surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/falco_...
- Håkan Gustavsson and Ludovico Slongo - Fiat CR.42 Aces of World War 2
amzn.to/445vqL5
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Over Time by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@frankguz55]

It takes some guts to attack a Spitfire in a CR42...

[@showtime112]

Yes, you could say so.

[@honkhonkler7732]

Should be an easy Spit win assuming the pilot uses vertical tactics instead of turn fighting as they might try with German fighters.

[@timonsolus]

Well, at least the Fiat CR42 could out-turn the Spifire! (And the Hurricane.) So if the British pilot yanked hard on his control column and went into a tight turn, bleeding off a lot of speed (an evasive tactic which would always work against a Me 109), he might find himself a sitting duck with that CR42 still right on his tail...

[@timonsolus]

@@honkhonkler7732 : Yes, but in November 1940 the RAF had a lot of inexperienced pilots, who were replacements for heavy losses in the Battle...

[@cpj93070]

@@timonsolus Wrong Britain had it's well rounded batch of Pilots who by this stage were well trained as taking part in both the battle of France and Britain by this stage.

[@simoncampbell-smith6745]

One can't doubt the bravery of the Italian crews flying less than first rate aircraft against a well trained, veteran determined enemy.

[@showtime112]

I agree, thank you for commenting!

[@evanlevitan6835]

Bravery or fascist stupidity?

[@jozefbubez6116]

Yes, but this was, I think, Mussolini's one and only attempt to show Hitler that he could 'do his bit'. Strategically, it acheived absolutely nothing resulting in loss of life that may otherwise have been avoided!

[@luismartincagnonemendez3467]

Sooo a los italianos se le puede pintar un avión camuflado en tonos verdes en minas el cielos es celeste o gris jajajaj

[@roykliffen9674]

In all three military disciplines, the Italians actually showed real bravery but were often let down by incompetent leadership or subpar equipment , be it tanks, aircraft, or ships, although their submarine division was punching above its weight. As a result the Italian forces in WW2 are often ridiculed, just like the French, even though the latter fought fierce battles against the superior tactics the Germans employed, actually sacrificing many to allow the British retreat from Dunkirk to become a "success".

[@CZ350tuner]

The BR20 had quite a sophisticated bombsight, when compared to the British WW1 era "Mechano, steel rulers & string" contraptions utilised on all British bombers, at the time. The BR20's bombsight was directly linked to the aircraft's altimeter and automatically self recalibrated, if the altitude changed during the bomb run. Something that neither German, American, British or Soviet bombsight could do. Anyone who has flown the BR20 in IL-2 Cliffs of Dover - Blitz, will be very familiar with this very useful feature.

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for providing info!

[@pierluigiadreani2159]

Having great "optionals" but missing the bigger picture (for instance armament and engines) is a tradition of our military procurement.

[@ThePhoenix198]

@@pierluigiadreani2159 True, or at least until the Fiat G.55 and Macchi C.202/C.205 were developed, although they were dependent on imported Daimler Benz DB.601/605 engines.

[@user-ij5lc1kw8r]

Viva Italia!

[@tacfoley4443]

Meccano is the correct name.

[@chrisward7085]

Thanks for the video. When I was an ATC cadet at Biggin Hill, the CR42 was in the museaum hangar. We were supposed to clean the aircraft but actually played with them. I've sat in the CR42 cockpit!

[@showtime112]

Thank you for sharing. I envy you for that experience :)

[@luckyguy600]

You lucky bastard. I am telling on you!

[@Pablo668]

In terms of mono wing fighters, the Italian airframes were actually pretty good. It was engines and firepower that let them down. Later in the war the Italians put German in line engines into their fighters, and for a hurried adaptation performed very well, among the best of the war. I think a lot of people tend to focus too much on how well a fighter aircraft performed, particularly in a one on one furball. Whereas who wins a fight was more depended on who saw who first and who held the height advantage. Formation tactics were important too.

[@trent847]

It is to the credit of the flying skill and determination of the Italian pilots that they all weren’t shot down during that encounter. Only one Falco biplane fighter was actually shot down with the other two were forced down due to mechanical problems. Those pilots of the Regia Aeronautica were just as brave as any of the Luftwaffe or Royal Air Force pilots who participated in the battle. The Italian fighter pilots and bomber crews didn’t want to be there but they did their duty in their weak under armed bombers and slow short ranged fighters with open cockpits while lacking radios only to be looked down upon with disdain from their German allies. They don’t deserve ridicule only respect.

[@showtime112]

Italian pilots were asked to do way too much by their leadership and I agree, they deserve respect.

[@roymeadows1708]

@@showtime112 Exactly this. Italian armed forces were not cowards..They were lead by idiots who couldn`t organise a piss up in a brewery.

[@shaddaboop7998]

@@showtime112 They were fighting for fascism and terror bombing civilians. Brave certainly, and I respect that they were following orders, but this is bordering on veneration. Be careful with that.

[@beachcomber1able]

What about the RAF "terror flieger"? They killed a few innocent civilians that never put Hitler in power.

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

Bologni. The missions were all a big failure. Minimum damage and lost most of the airplanes. And many pilots claimed failures and turned back for nothing. See at beginning most of the best planes "turned back "because of the weather". Paper Tigers..

[@alvarvillalongamarch3894]

Those poor Italians didn't stand a chance with that kind of equipment!Shame on their superiors,who sent them on an almost suicidal mission.The CR42 was an excellent fighter for it's time,but underpowered and undergunned.You can outmanoeuver the Hurricains,but you can't chase them or escape.Sad story.Sorry for the Reggia Aeronautica.No match.

[@ronaldhenderson8803]

Got to admit the Italians had a cool camo sheme

[@razgriz380]

It's actually very similar to the German spring offensive camo. Likely took cues from their axis ally. Not all that's surprising seeing as it was intended for the Mediterranean. But attractive nonetheless.

[@showtime112]

It's pretty original, that's for sure.

[@alastairward2774]

The title suggests the RAF had to cut tea short and grumpily get to their planes.

[@showtime112]

Well, if you watch the first part, it becomes clear 😁

[@joeshmoe9978]

😁

[@photoisca7386]

@@showtime112 Just another foreigner hating the British. The title is designed to attract like-minded souls.

[@aleks1939]

@@photoisca7386 No pudding for you! Not until you eat your meat!

[@rainerbehrendt9330]

@@photoisca7386 What's wrong? Not enough Tea?

[@i.setyawan]

Can't wait to see the last episode! Biplanes, when expertly flown can be hard to kill in a dogfight due to their agility. They may not be able to make a kill, though. Another excellent video. Keep up the good work!

[@showtime112]

I appreciate your support. Yes, monoplane pilots still had to be careful when entering dogfights with biplanes.

[@alexhatfield2987]

I’m English. I’ve been speaking English for about 60years and even after all that time, it’s STILL often grammatically inexplicable. Your pronunciation is just fine “Showtime.”

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the comment! I don't think anyone will ever find logical explanation for some of language 'rules'. English is not exactly the only such language but it tends to be a little more confusing than your average language 😁

[@michaeldowd8422]

Arse kisser lol

[@ThePhoenix198]

@@showtime112 'Cough', 'though', rough', through' are examples of how 'ough' is pronounced differently according to convention. Now try 'Slough' ... 😂😂

[@thisisnumber0]

No, it is NOT just fine. It is wrong. Stand in the corner with your underpants on your head and contemplate the error of your ways.

[@martinbrode7131]

Experiences with it?😂​@@thisisnumber0

[@thecrow3380]

That's right: Harwich is pronounced as "Harrich". There are many English place-names like this; my favorite being Happisburg, which is spoken as "Hays-borough". You get used to it, as a Brit, and if you're not a Brit, you never do get used to it (:>

[@noelmajers6369]

True enough. Speaking as a British person, I have never struggled with them. Although the etymology is weird, there is also an indecipherable logic to British place names which arises from the evolution of the English language which is only partly phonetic. For a foreigner who really wants to get them right I would suggest that just learning them one by one.

[@KABModels]

*Happisburgh

[@mwrkhan]

Not just place names. Featherstonehaugh is pronounced Fanshaw.

[@showtime112]

You might be right about never getting used to it 😁

[@thecrow3380]

@@KABModels How did that get by me? Age surely creepeth up!

[@andrewstackpool4911]

The grit and determination of both sides warrants admiration especially the Italians in what were obsolete aircraft. That said, as the Gloster Gladiator proved in the desert and at Malta, properly coordinated and with tighter turning circles, biplanes could hold their own against more modern aircraft including 109s

[@sleepingrabbit4011]

This is absolutely fascinating. I did not know anything about the Italians fighting over Britain.

[@showtime112]

Thank you! Watch the first part as well, the initial part of their operations is described as well.

[@aceshigh234]

The Italian pronounciation is on point, very well done!

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for the feedback!

[@waynemathias8074]

Thanks for the superbly detailed sim reenactment. There were quite a few aircraft on all sides that were outclassed, but imagine the stories the survivors could've told afterward. "There I was, in a open cockpit biplane with two machine guns... Allorraaa!"

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching and appreciating the video! I'm sure it was quite 'exciting' for the biplane pilots 😁

[@ptonpc]

The courage of the crews should never be forgotten.

[@ilaser4064]

And the stupidity of their leader...

[@user-ij5lc1kw8r]

Nor their stupidity1

[@mikemontgomery2654]

I had no idea that CR.42 in the museum at Hendon was downed over British skies. I have my own pictures of it. As for pilot Blatchford, he had an airfield named after him in North Edmonton, up until about 2015ish time frame. Very cool.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@andrewmorke]

The Gloster Gladiator, a biplane, clashed with Italian aircraft in North Africa.

[@Heylanda-fb9xb]

As well as the Soviets on the Eastern Front in the early years with their Polikarpov I-15 and PO-2 "bomber".

[@showtime112]

Also in Greece and Malta.

[@raypurchase801]

Read the biography of the South African RAF ace, Pat Pattle.

[@travelbugse2829]

I believe some who flew both biplanes reckoned the CR42 had an edge over its British rival.

[@rvieira8057]

@@Heylanda-fb9xb You mean the I-153, I think. The I-15 was used in the Spanish Civil War.

[@doktor_spritz9344]

Always a great day when you load up a video

[@showtime112]

It's very nice to hear, thank you!

[@murrayangus]

A little known aspect of the Battle of Britian and very interesting indeed. Great video!

[@showtime112]

I'm happy you liked it, thank you!

[@fastmover2598]

The little-known Regina Aeronautica's involvement didn't provide any definitive, lasting impact, but it did offer a benefit to its German ally. At the very least, the Italian involvement forced the British to dedicate resources (aircraft, anti-aircraft batteries, manpower, etc.) to defend an area that wasn't as strategically vital. Also, militaries, in general, learn valuable lessons from both minor engagements and short-term campaigns.

[@showtime112]

Good point, offensive action always ties down enemy resources.

[@DC.409]

Look into the East Africa war, this commenced between Italy and DUKE forces (Dominion,UK and Empire) June 1940, the RAF and RAAF were outnumbered by the East African Italian Air Force. Interestingly whilst the bombers were quite modern, the fighters on both sides were biplanes DUKE fury, gladiators . DUKE quickly addressed this with Hurricane, Battle and Mohawk because the Fiat fighters outperformed the Gladiator. It was effectively an holding action until 6 November 1940, when the DUKE forces attacked.

[@ewok40k]

dont bring a biplane to a spitfire fight...

[@showtime112]

An old Latin proverb? 😁

[@rainerbehrendt9330]

@@showtime112 An irish one. Mallone from the Untouchables.

[@user-uy3bj9ue5c]

😂

[@Treblaine]

Yet do bring a biplane to a battleship fight...

[@williamkoppos7039]

@@rainerbehrendt9330 Also referring to italians

[@MiG-31893]

Excellent as always! You are getting much better at syncing the narration with the film! I was wondering if you could make a video at some point on the combat record of the Fiat G.55? Apparently it was said to be the best fighter in the axis. If the TA-152 was the ultimate German fighter, then the Fiat G.55 was the ultimate Italian fighter. The Fiat arrived too late to fight for Italy, but fought in the ANR forces agains the allies. Anyway I hope this video preforms well (it should do)!

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the positive comment! G.55 would be an interesting story for sure. I have to check what kind of an info is available on it.

[@rezzoc91]

I had the pleasure to know Giuseppe Ruzzin. I made his wiki page in ligurian as well.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for sharing!

[@mfuller1093]

RAF squardrons numbers are always described in numbers , for example ''617 squadron and are never described in words like ''six hundred and seventeen.

[@bobdylan7120]

Not true, especially for those with double digit numbers and even some with triple digit. For example, 111 Squadron was always known as "Treble one" and 29 Squadron was referred to as "Twenty Nine" (Odd fact, their squadron markings are XXX, which is 30 in roman numerals).

[@andrewwaller5913]

41 Sqn and 54 Sqn are said as Forty One and Fifty Four so not always the case. There are variations.

[@bdleo300]

What a terrible decision to call off escorts but not cancel the mission.

[@showtime112]

Agreed. A similar thing happened to Italian Tornado mission in Operation Desert Storm. The support was cancelled but nobody told them and one Tornado was shot down.

[@yveaux500]

Truly brilliant stuff (as always) Hope you will do a video once on how the Dutch army aviation fought against the Luftwaffe in may 1940. Some heroic stuff here and there with outdated equipment.

[@showtime112]

Thank you! The Dutch aviation against Luftwaffe is on my 'to do' list. I believe we have the airplanes used, I just need to see what kind of details are available.

[@yveaux500]

@@showtime112 that is truly great to hear. If you need any help with the research or things like prenounciations please let me know.

[@wolfganggugelweith8760]

Brave Italian pilots!

[@tomriley5790]

Incidentally the reason for the variation in English pronounciation is easily explainable because of the various races invaded, built, named things and then had them renamed by others doing the same thing several times over the centuries. East Anglian towns and Northern English towns were originally roman, renamed by the Angles and saxons and then formed part of the Danelaw until their the various kindoms formed into England.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Great presentation thank you

[@showtime112]

I'm glad you appreciate it!

[@ColinFreeman-kh9us]

Thanks for the effort you put in brother, really interesting story of these men that is sadly not known.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching and for providing a positive feedback! Yes, this story is somewhat overlooked.

[@user-uy3bj9ue5c]

Why did the more modern fighter go back when the biplanes carried on in the bad weather?

[@showtime112]

Not sure but I think they were not based in the same airfield so weather might have been better for the CR.42s and the bombers.

[@jimboll6982]

Germans thought " Fuck this" not being shot down on Harwich.

[@teedub00]

The Italian PoW's were condemned to five years of British food.

[@claudiocalabrese3865]

That has got to be worse than getting sent in a concentration camp…

[@showtime112]

They were already unhappy with German food in Belgium as one of them reported :)

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Seemed they wanted a bit of the "action" against the British... shit cuisine or not. They fucked about and found out.

[@xxxpoiled]

My uncle was prisoner in England...i can witness eng people was very correct find him a work in Manchester. Army catch them in desert...he was Flying on a Savoia marchetti as forecast guy

[@MarkHarrison733]

@@claudiocalabrese3865 The Allies used concentration camps and slave labour.

[@RealDarko]

Beautiful reenactment. Brave crews on both sides.

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for the comment and for a pretty long subscription!

[@ThePhoenix198]

Another pronunciation thing: in British and Commonwealth forces, the rank 'Lieutenant' is pronounced 'lef-tenant' rather than 'loo-tenant'.

[@akikominagawa2075]

Thank you for covering this topic! I appreciate this so much. It's not something we ever learned about in the UK curriculum and I doubt many people know back there.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching and appreciating it!

[@jimsaintamour2]

Bang up job as usual! I can only imagine how long it takes for you to make these videos.

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for the financial support! These videos are a full time effort. This one was slightly more complicated as there were many small and rather specific scenes to do.

[@kevinl1492]

My late mother grew up in Maidstone, Kent. In 1941 she was only 16 but she would tell a story later about the Italian Airforce bombing the center of Maidstone trying to hit the bridges over the River Medway. The Italian Air Force roundal looked like the RAF roundal and some people thought the planes were British. So they ignored the air raid sirens - until bombs started falling. I am not sure if she was actually there or she just heard about it. She was evacuated to Yorkshire during the blitz.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for sharing the story!

[@branka4226]

Nice video!

[@giacomomeluzzi280]

It's rare to find someone making the effort of pronouncing our names correctly, thanks!

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the feedback! I said it wrong in the first video and I got dozens of comments about it :)

[@TheFergie9]

My father joined 603 City of Edinburgh in Hornchurch just after The Battle of Britain, and in 41 they returned to Turnhouse in Scotland..thrilled to see them mentioned

[@joeshmoe9978]

Luigi sees Spitfires: "Mama Mia!!!"😯

[@Pax.Alotin]

Gutless USA wasn't even in the war at that stage - so STFU

[@jdsaldivar5606]

82ND AIRBORNE I am not an Ambassador...can I still watch??

[@showtime112]

Nope, it's not allowed :)

[@jdsaldivar5606]

@@showtime112 82ND AIRBORNE Damn!! That was Strong!!

[@robijnbruinsma4489]

Thorough and fair account.

[@showtime112]

Glad you think so, thank you!

[@williamkoppos7039]

Your presentations are Very Good

[@showtime112]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@mediapartners9950]

Another great video many thanks 👍🏻

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@oscarvi3232]

Great work Showtime. Love the detail.

[@showtime112]

Thanks, details are very important in these stories (when you can find them).

[@anthroderick5383]

Thank you very much for the great vídeo!

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@VC27]

Hey there Showtime112. Been away for some time. I see that your recantation, historical accuracy and graphics have improved even more over the last year. Keep up the great work!

[@showtime112]

Good to hear you are back. And I appreciate your positive opinion! More content on the way.

[@VC27]

@@showtime112 - More power to you Buddy.

[@romanbrough]

I read an autobiography many years ago by an RAF Hurricane pilot who fought against the Italian air force in 1940. He said of the CR42 words to the effect. They were very manoeuvrable aircraft often skillfully flown. But if you gave them a squirt from 8 Brownings, then they just fell to out of the sky.

[@donparker1823]

Thanks!

[@showtime112]

Thank you once again for the financial support!

[@soumadip_skyy_banerjee]

Another awesome video by my favourite Croatian! :)

[@showtime112]

Thank you, glad you liked this one!

[@cannonfodder4376]

Not exactly the most auspicious start if that is how one's first real engagement with the enemy went. Biplanes fighters have no place in that theatre against Hurricanes and Spitfires with modern communications. 1:26 Got a good laugh at that, the English naming convention is weird. Good video.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for commenting! Biplanes could have augmented the fighter cover but alone like that, they couldn't do too much.

[@JimmyPeaTV]

Great vid, and full of great information. I was born on 11th November. We always celebrate Remembrance Day and my birthday at the UKs Battle of Britain Memorial 👍

[@showtime112]

I appreciate your feedback!

[@adamcooper2211]

Great video!!! Please do the third part with CR.42s Vs Spitfires - the Italian participation in the Battle of Britain is so often overlooked!

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the feedback, third part coming out this Saturday.

[@roberts1938]

A very carefully prepared film. A lot of work. Thank you very much. In Polish materials, Karol Pniak shot down 1 and 1/2 Fiat Br-20 that day Exists a photo Karol Pniak with trophies from the second plane that was attacked. The first one actually fell into the sea. The pilots of 257 Squadron had a photo session with the same trophies. It would be nice if you included a photo of Karol Pniak with the film. He appears to be the most likely pilot to shoot down the BR-20 that day. I will send the links to your email because YT blocks other links.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for commenting and for sending the email. I've looked at the links last night.

[@juancarlosperezcortes9259]

Marellous video. Everytime is a new history class

[@showtime112]

I appreciate your feedback!

[@delcatto60]

Two good books about Italian aircraft over Britain and East Africa: The Chianti Raiders by Peter Haining and Air War East Africa 1940 - 41 by Jon Sutherland and Diane Canwell. Great video, thank you.

[@bjornsmith9431]

The unknown Battle of Britain the Italian Air force vs the British Air force.

[@showtime112]

Exactly. Thank you for another comment!

[@Spitfiresammons]

The Italian air Force during the Battle of Britain campaign must be a total disaster for Mussolin great story. Please do the F-51 Mustang vs Yak-9P during the Korea war.

[@showtime112]

It is generally considered a big failure. As for your Korea suggestion, yes I've been wanting to cover some of that stuff for a while.

[@Heylanda-fb9xb]

The only branch of Regia Aeronautica that was successful in their missions was their torpedo bomber team utilizing SM.79 aircraft. Otherwise, they are remembered in the history book as a joke.

[@falkonsix]

Interesting episode well presented............many thanks.

[@dillonhunt1720]

"WITNESS ME!!!!" -Flight Lieutenant Blachford probably

[@capitanvonchickenpants8492]

The only planes that could fly backwards

[@nor0845]

Interesting video. Thank you for posting.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@gunnergoz]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@showtime112]

Glad you liked it, thank you!

[@barrysnelson4404]

A very good and watchable video. Well done. But when you meet someone who believes the Battle of Britain extended into 1941 because the Germans were still bombing Britain you can explain to them that the Germans were still bombing Britain in 1945. The Battle of Britain refers to that action wherein Goering was trying to destroy the RAF prior to an invasion. Bombing was just to draw the RAF into battle to be destroyed. His motive in 1941 was not air superiority but to damage industry, transport etc - a different reason. The Italian actions were not part of the Battle of Britain at all because their motive was not to destroy the RAF. They didn't have a motive, at all, really, apart from Mussolini's ego.

[@showtime112]

Then why is the captured CR.42 exhibited in the Battle of Britain Museum? 😁😁😁

[@barrysnelson4404]

@@showtime112 So when do you say the Battle of Britain ended, if you don't believe the official date? And should the pilots who fought these Italians be awarded the Battle of Britain clasp? And if so what should be the last date for one the most prestigious battle awards there is?

[@barrysnelson4404]

@@showtime112 Showtime, I did enjoy your video and I have more time to respond. The reason the Battle of Britain has dates is because the Battle of Britain clasp to the 1939-1945 star was awarded 2,937 times to all aircrew who made an operational flight between 00:01 on 10th July to 23:59 on 31st October. It entitles the holder to claim to be one of "The Few" the single most famous fighting group of World War 2. Only one survives - Pilot Officer Hemmingway. He is 104. And I thought your video was very well made but the Battle of Britain does have defined dates.

[@leemiles3995]

This series is really good! Keep going with part 3 please 🙏

[@showtime112]

Thank you, Part 3 coming up this Saturday.

[@leighjones5551]

great video and a lot of research to produce this great work

[@showtime112]

I appreciate your feedback, thank you!

[@kruno1861]

Great video as always

[@showtime112]

Appreciate that, thank you!

[@jerrymail]

Your videos often make me want to build a model. I have on my list the Honduran Corsair, Israeli Avia S-199, the Egyptian FIAT G.55 .... Now the FIAT BR.20 "Cigogna". 😃 Unfortunately, I have a lot of models to do and not a lot of time to do them. 👍👍👍 Keep up the good work 👍👍👍

[@showtime112]

Thank you again! I understand your problem, I have the same one with video topics. So many ideas and so little time to realize them :)

[@user-pi4wj7bm4z]

An interesting historical video. The archive information is outstanding and I hope to see more of your work. Greg in Canada 🇨🇦.. 😊.

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for the positive feedback! Check out older videos if you missed them and final chapter of this story is coming up on Saturday.

[@danhubert-hx4ss]

Very interesting vid as per usual.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@exocet1]

Check out the book "Chianti Raiders" The British loved going through downed Br.20 because they carried loaves of bread and Chianti..funny now looking at video you can see British pilots holding captured Chainti bottles and italian helmets :)

[@lesterbuckman5493]

Awesome! look forward to more great content

[@showtime112]

I appreciate your positive feedbaack!

[@jebblinne3273]

Excellent video!

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much!

[@leighrate]

Well I'd say that anyone who thought the Italians weren't formidable antagonists had just been disabused of that notion.

[@themajesticmagnificent386]

Brilliant video and more please to complete this subject🇬🇧👍

[@showtime112]

Thank you! Part 3 coming up this Saturday.

[@lorenzodelfino5894]

Excellent video (as usual)

[@showtime112]

I'm happy you think so, thanks!

[@bobbyricigliano2799]

"Our state of the art BF-109 fighters are turning back due to weather. But those Fiat Biplanes should be just fine."

[@showtime112]

It's one of the consequences of not having radios.

[@1joshjosh1]

The internet in my work lunchroom is so sh**y I will have to wait till later to view this video. Oh the humanity. 😭 But watch it later I will !!

[@gemellodipriapo]

Great vid! Thank you! But I think you need to highlight the obsolescence of the Italian aircraft ... biplanes with no radios etc ... otherwise you run the risk of this inadvertently becoming a wankfest for flag waving triumphalists ... What is interesting though is the success the Italian air force had in North Africa, the Med and East Africa with a variety of planes. There were several Italian biplane aces such as Tenente Carlo Canella and the better known Capitano Mario Visintini

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the comment! This video is pretty much intended to be watched after part one in which more details about the airplanes themselves are given. I made a video about Mario Visintini too, a while ago, maybe this will encourage people who missed it to watch it.

[@grahvis]

It was the end of the idea that agility would overcome speed. The Soviets made the same mistake at the start of their air battles.

[@gemellodipriapo]

@@showtime112 I must watch! Thank you!

[@sixgunsymphony7408]

Brits were still using Gloster Gladiator fighters in the early years of WWII

[@gemellodipriapo]

@@sixgunsymphony7408Yawn! The RAF was indeed employing knackered old Glads but not over “this green and pleasant land”, They were employed in secondary theatres like East Africa where pilots like Visentini were shooting them down with gusto.

[@ralphscholer7345]

Incredible !!! One more masterpiece of Your air war videos!! And You bring more Light on the operations of the REGGIA AEORONAUTICA in WW II . I'm interested espacially in the Italian Air Force.And I don't know about that bad experience of Musolini's pilot's agains't RAF. First Time ,You bring this to me !! Brilliant video and naration by Your smooth voice ! Also brilliant.the camouflage of the Italian planes ! As a model builder I love it,and now from Your video,I have some more new impressions for my Hobby. Many, many Thanks for this good stuff...YOU ARE THE BEST...

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for this inspired comment! Italian Air Force is often overlooked (and ridiculed) but I'd say they were an important part of the whole story. I seem to inspire model builders a lot recently :)

[@tomtaylor6163]

Wow thanks for this. I never knew about the Italians. I do love Italian machinery and women.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the comment! There was a bunch of older video about Italian Air Force in WW2, check them out if you missed them.

[@r2gelfand]

And the RAF Pilots went home to tea and medals.

[@luckyguy600]

I liked that video! Thanks for all the effort you put into the production. Something different. I have seen the fighter at Hendon, but I didn't know the history of it. I always thought them rather cool bi-planes from another era.

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for the positive feedback!

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY 🙏🙏

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching!

[@ianbeale2527]

Most British would pronounce Harwich in the way it is spelled, despite the W being silent. We have lots of names like Bicester being pronounced Bister etc. If you know, you know. Another great video. Now subbed.

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for that info. And for subscribing. The pronunciation it was a bit of a joke since in the first video, I pronounced the 'w' and I got dozens of comments explaining how the w is silent 😁

[@SpookyFox1000]

To be truthful, after the Romans left Britain we have never been scared of Italy !

[@iansadler4309]

For info - RAF terminology would be "2 5 7 squadron", not "two hundred and fifty seven squadron".

[@c.morees9698]

That CR42 was quite a plane! The fight also shows the arnament of the Hurricanes where more effective against the bombers than the arnament of the Spitfires.

[@bryanwheeler1608]

It was common practice during the Battle of Britain for the Hurricanes to attack the bombers & the Spitfires take on the escort, which was normally BF109s, & the fairly ineffectual 110s.

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Thanks for another enjoyable and well researched video. BTW. The strange and completely inexplicable reason why Harwich is pronounced "Harich" is the very same strange and inexplicable reason why Bomber is pronounced "Bommer." Many European languages have silent letters in their words.

[@brainyskeletonofdoom7824]

14:10 WOW! Ruzzin was a family friend and ive left a comment about his Memories of the Battle under the First video of the series! This shows that the videos are very well researched

[@showtime112]

Thank you for your comment! I was using research of other people but there is a lot of info regarding this battle.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

"Mein Fuhrer !!! Ze Italians have entered the war !!!" "Gott in Himmel !!! Send 10 divisions !!!" "Nein Mein Fuhrer !!! Zey have entered on OUR side !!!" "Donner und Blitzen !!! Send 20 divisions !!!"

[@mootpointjones8488]

Good video, thanks 👍 I have seen the CR42 at Hendon, a graceful bi-plane.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for commenting, I hope to go to Hendon someday!

[@johnforrester9120]

Even hurricanes can take out biplanes lol

[@martinrybensky]

Really nice and historically accurate reconstruction, it was pleasure to watch. Thank you! I have read about this dogfight many years ago in Karel Mrázek's autobiography (in Czech), where he described this battle from his point of view. If anyone would be interested, I can try to find that book in my bookshelf and translate the right part of the relevant chapter.

[@ryanbluer6098]

You have to admire the bravery of any pilot who is willing to get into a dogfight flying a Biplane again Hurricanes and Spitfires or like our brave Swordfish pilots attacking a modern battleship like the Bizmarck or the Italian fleet at Torantto

[@KABModels]

The correct pronunciation of RAF Squadrons are as follows: from 1-100 Squadrons, 20 squadron, 55 squadron, 87 squadron, from 100-600 odd, one oh one squadron, two four two squadron, six one seven squadron etc. there is never a TH after the RAF Squadron numbers. there is no such squadron as 'the sixth hundreth and seventeenth squadron' its Six-one-seven Squadron, and no such squadron as 'the fiftyfith squadron' Its 55 squadron. Hope this helps :)

[@showtime112]

Brits and their 'correct' ways to pronounce things 😁 But thanks!

[@heneagedundas]

​@showtime112 It is correct for the RAF, but there's no suggestion or implication this is correct for other airforces.

[@KABModels]

@@heneagedundas im sorry, did i even mention other air forces?

[@heneagedundas]

​@@KABModelsNope. But I wasn't replying to you, I was replying to Showtime and the possibility he thought this was a naming method we British think should be universally applied. I agree with everything you said, and have been making the same point myself over the years.