The World War II Ace who Switched Sides - Italy's Finest Fighter Pilot - Teresio Martinoli

Teresio Vittorio Martinoli was an Italian fighter ace in World War II that took down more than twenty enemy aircraft and also has the incredible accomplishment of shooting down both Allied and Axis aircraft in the war after switching sides in the conflict when Italy declared war on Germany. This was made using the World War II flight simulator IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles series. Thanks to @Renzic for helping make this video! Hope you enjoy! Please like, comment, and subscribe. #WorldWarII #WWIIHistory #WarThunder
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[@Renzic]

Was a blast working with ya! Really happy with the end result!

[@TJ3]

Always man! Absolutely loved the process and the finished result. Thanks dude!

[@Green_star_line]

Didn’t think you would be here!

[@Luca_Sleepy_af]

Hi renzic :)

[@gilbertjamessalud3145]

Hey tj make a video about a bf 109 spared a b17 plane please?

[@eddykelly4082]

Did I hear this narrator say England and France were DEFEATED. Does this guy not read history, Britain fought the Axis alone for almost 3 years BEFOR yanks joined in as did the Russians after Adolf betrayed Stalin.

[@SammySathya]

I love the way you pay homage to truly gifted fighter pilots. Be it friend or foe we should honor then for their skill and bravery.

[@TJ3]

Agreed! Thank you!

[@bumblebee623]

It's the way it's always been done. I dont see any specialty in this video. Maybe say... to the more unknown gifted...

[@Angrybogan]

WW2 - era Italian soldiers get very bad press from the Allied military. Their record was very poor, largely because they weren't a modern army and they were led badly. Individually though they were brave and heroic.

[@Ezekiel903]

Italian sailors in Beijing, that after the civil war in Italy 1943 and their retread from the Axis, stand in front of a dangerous situation, joined to fight for the Axis and were transferred to japan, ironically, they scored the last hit for Japan, downing a US plane before the capitulation!

[@benwelch4076]

So cool, Italian aces are almost never talked about, more like this would be cool.

[@pietrolanza154]

A reason is that usually the kills were attribuited to entire unit and not to a single pilot

[@benwelch4076]

@@pietrolanza154 didn't know that,

[@pietrolanza154]

@@benwelch4076 was very dependent on the commander

[@Ezekiel903]

Italian tank ace, on a German Tiger tank! Alfredo Carpaneto kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHLLd4aBhKx5bpo

[@IrontoughItalian]

The winning side gets to tell you the story. That's why. Italians fought in the bloodiest battle in the history of the world.. The battle of Stalingrad

[@tomjustis7237]

Martinoli did not "switch sides". (A poor choice of words, TJ3.) That statement implies Martinoli made a personal decision and perhaps even betrayed his comrades in arms by going over to 'the other side'. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Martinoli began the war flying for his country, and when ITALY switched sides he CONTINUED flying for his country. He didn't fly for the Axis and he didn't fly for the Allies; he flew for ITALY, and that never changed! A small distinction I admit, but one I think should be remembered.

[@gianlucapardini1120]

Sorry but many italian pilot serve under the Salò Repubblic in the axes after the armistice

[@francescoguzzetta]

@@gianlucapardini1120 Salò republic was not Italy, but a political puppet created by Hitler in German occupied territory, just like the "Government of national unity" in Hungary

[@NoName-hg6cc]

​@@gianlucapardini1120And perhaps they were wrong

[@NoName-hg6cc]

Italy didn't switch sides though, it surrendered. But I agree on the rest: he never swore allegiance with anyone else, he kept flying for Italy

[@gianlucapardini1120]

@@NoName-hg6cc no perhaps for sure they were wrong

[@operator6471]

Off-piste but my family were farmers and we had Italian prisoners of war working on the farm. They became great friends to the family, during and after the war.

[@cosminxcess]

Great job Tj also Romanian ace Constantin "Bazu" Cantacuzino shot down soviet,american and german planes during ww2.

[@gs637]

Yep, the Romanian ww2 figher pilot ace Cantacuzino ( a nobleman, and 1939 aerial aerobatics national champion) was credited with 43 net confirmed aerial victories (against russians, brits, yanks, and germans). He certainly deserves a documentary

[@kkteutsch6416]

Invited to valuate the Macchi MC 205 Veltro german staff and pilots gave them positive evaluation and even thought to put them in production on germany...

[@brokenbridge6316]

Not everyday you hear about a good Italian soldier in WWII. Let alone a very well accomplished fighter ace. Great video.

[@solinvictus1234]

The Italian soldiers was excellent (the first one to recognize that was Rommel), despite the mokery and stereotypes often british did on them (cause the only way to win the fear of the enemy is joking on him). No other Nation, with the lack of resources, bellic industry and oil as Italy had (the country was economically on his knee after WWI) would have resosted 5 years fighting the entire world.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@solinvictus1234---Yes I know Italian Soldiers could be excellent. They just weren't well-led. It was rare for them to be commanded by someone that was competent.

[@solinvictus1234]

@@brokenbridge6316 talking about high command you're right, Rommel itself in his diaries pointed out that often the petty officers was more capable than their bosses.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@solinvictus1234---That hardly surprises me. The petty officers were likely not yes-men like their bosses were.

[@solinvictus1234]

@@brokenbridge6316 Absolutely, another big issue Italian had, expecially the Regia Marina vs the Royal Navy (totally fault of Mussolini centralization of power) was having all the decision chain command passing only trough Rome higher command headquarter, instead the commanders and Admirals of the Royal Navy had more space to act freely during their missions.

[@TJ3]

A work of art! Shoutout to @Renzic! Make sure to go check him out. Hope you guys enjoy!

[@dovidell]

the first " story' I've heard of about an Italian fighter ace ( regardless of which side he was fighting for ) EVER - do you have any more ? , because I'm sure there must have been other (Italian ) fighter aces out there during WW2

[@christopherhanton6611]

Very neat

[@paoloviti6156]

Of course there was other Italian aces but one comes particularly in my mind: Major Adriano Visconti di Lampugnano was virtually one of the top Italian aces of 2nd WW shooting down between 10 and 26 enemy aircraft, according to different sources, anyway he joined the Italian Air force (Regia Aereonautica) in 1936 then fought in Africa but started scoring with the Macchi C.205 "Folgore" (thunderbolt in Italian). But after the armistice of 20th September Visconti continued to fly with the newly formed National Republican Air Force (Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana, or ANR) of the Italian Social Republic (Repubblica Sociale Italiana, or RSI). Shortly after joining the ANR, Visconti was promoted to Captain, commanding the 1st Squadron in the 1st Gruppo Caccia. In May 1944, he was promoted to Major. He became truly an ace flying the Macchi C.205 Veltro and the Me 109G-10. After barely survived being shot down over lake of Como he surrendered a to the partisans in Milan after being assured that no harm would done to him and his squadron but typically was shot in the back with his best friend. Two things must be pointed out: the Italians that joined/continued with the R.S.I. received brand new or well maintained airplanes whilst the pilots that fought together with the allies only received really 2nd hand airplanes and one of the reasons why Teresio Vittorio Martinoli was killed. Many Italians that fought with the allies was furious because of this...

[@paoloviti6156]

@@francisdrake7060 but despite being one of the most famous fascist member both Mussolini and and top fascist feared and was jealous of him he was not at all an ace as he never fought as an pilot! Many considered him, like me, one if not the most brilliant member of the fascist party....

[@guglielmodottarelli1626]

You should read about Luigi gorrini

[@user-pescatore99]

@Bilbo Fappins No pow deserves to be killed. Even if he dishonored badly his country.

[@mc205alvarez99]

Great video! Finally a video about Italian WW2 aces 👏👏👏👏 Greetings from Chile!

[@TheDkeeler]

Not mentioned is that Martinoli had his first kills flying the C. R. 42 but apparently did not then fly the Macchi C 200. The Macchi C 202 entered service sooner than I thought June of 1941.

[@SUP_Bigans]

September 1941 over Malta, November 1941 over Libya.

[@tonykeith76]

Between italian pilots, Luigi Gorrini was the only one with more than 20 confirmed kills.. For this reason, Gorrini was the only italian pilot to be accepted in the International Fighter Pilot Association... So he met Clostermann, Rall, Hartmann, Sakai, Gabreski ecc...

[@SUP_Bigans]

But Gorrini payed his choose to protect Italian land by heavy allied bombing over cities, that killed many civilian.

[@scepticalwalker3984]

@@SUP_Bigans yup, when your country starts a war of aggression the price can be very high.

[@salvatorepico8676]

Non posso aggiungere risposta non parlo inglese

[@anthonieneveling6435]

You guys are awsome! Thank you for the teip down memory lane! Salute to all the fallen airmen! And salute to the brilliant fighter pilots the War produced! Success is merely the fact......of holding on.....when others have let go! Respect!

[@mikesouter]

Here is a good story to do: Ioannis Agorastos "John" Plagis, DSO, DFC & Bar (1919-1974) was a Southern Rhodesian flying ace in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War, noted especially for his part in the defence of Malta during 1942.

[@panzerivausfg4062]

He was Greek-South African

[@anthonieneveling6435]

I would personally Love to see a remake of the battle of Malta! It was Big......and not praised enough!

[@yuuzyerbrejn9603]

Two of my favorites collaborating? Sign me up! Good work gentlemen, I didn't know about this Italian ace so thanks for the learnin'.

[@gbro8822]

Great job, as always. Thank you.

[@austingode]

The trying an Aircobra must have been just that .. went for a spin in an unfamiliar plane and ran out of ceiling …… a shame as he was brilliant

[@pedrojuliancereceda8301]

Great video! I was not aware of this part of the History. Thank U kindly!

[@tommasovallone24]

thank you and renzic for this video

[@stironeceno]

The name of the Italian air force at that time was Regia Aeronautica ( Royal Air Force ) in Italian , my Father was a member .

[@TheSpritz0]

My father's best friend growing up died the exact same way, transitioning to another airplane in the early 1960's. Unfamiliar controls and differences in flying characteristics kill many pilots.

[@thatr6814]

Probably could have gotten another dozen kills if he stuck with the spitfire

[@thatr6814]

It’s crazy how he was that good but the transition messed him up that much

[@SHAHROOKHSHROFF-uk7ub]

Pilots undergo a gruelling procedure called "TRAINING"! When the Luftwaffe converted from their well - blooded and - proven, piston - engined Messerschmitt Me - 109s and Focke - Wulf FW - 190s to the immeasurably more advanced, twin - jet, single - seat Messwrschmitt Me - 262s, they had to do so in a major hurry : Adolf Galland and Johannes Steinhoff's most elite of all squadrons to have ever graced the air, the JV - 44, manned by piston - engined "Experten" of the Luftwaffe who were HANDPICKED by the celebrared duo, generally ended the "Conversion/Familiarization" process in a single afternoon - a glowing salute and tribute to their outstanding stature and supremacy! 🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🥰🥰🥰💗💗💗

[@JanLoncik]

There were more WW2 aces who switched sides (and scored kills after that), for example, Romanian Constantin Cantacuzino or Slovakian Rudolf Bozik and Frantisek Cyprich. Bozik even shot down one Bf 110 while still on the Axis side.

[@mikasammallahti1272]

Very good video thanks bro👌

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@thehitmangaming1980]

Best video yet!

[@stralabastro142]

You could use a better title for the video but anyway that was a really cool video, good work, I hope to see more videos about Italy in the future.

[@jibeco]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@leroyholm9075]

Excellent

[@secretagent86]

Awesome video. I hope you do not mind me pointing out two small things… not “unfortunately “ but “fortunately” italy was not doing as well as he was. You called his last victory a fighter but had just stated it was a transport. I learned a lot from your video thx

[@LeopardIL2]

Finally a video regarding this remarkable aviator! He was nor Facist neither Allied - simply italian, and an incredible marksman. Few books about him infortunately.

[@thomaslanguell7257]

He didn't care about the emblem on his plane he just wanted to fight!

[@FunwithCaleb22]

I love this channel

[@TJ3]

Me too

[@jamesmaverick9553]

Wow another video

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

Good to see someone recognizing that WWII wasn't just a British, french, Italian, Japanese and American war, that in fact there were many smaller countries doing their bit as best they could.

[@gosuc7340]

To be an ACE is one thing, but changing sides as a soldier when the tide changes is something else. For Italy it seems to be tradition since the days of Napoleon to change sides when things get rough. My father was in American captivity in Italy at the end of the war. He told me that the POW's were treated to a certain extend at a honorable basis, as the GI's recognized them as respectable and hard fighting soldiers.But the GI's and the Brits almost despited the Italians for changing the side.They didn't hide their attitude at all. So the Italians were exposed to the contempt of both, the Germans and the Allies. O.k., that has not much to do with the capability of their aces of fighter-pilots, but perhaps with a moral attitude. I don't know any German or Japanese Pilot who changed sides, although it was obvious the war was lost. Last not least, the existing tyranny of Mussolini can't be accepted for changing the side, because this 'changing'-behaviour was business as usual even in WW1 und back to the days of Napoleon.

[@riccardobalbo234]

The side swap was a condition in the armistice deal

[@user-co8sk7gf7q]

think that before saying bullshit one should read at least one history book and not follow the post-war propraganda. In a very short way: 1) it was Hitler who betrayed the points of the pact, as it was clearly written that before taking actions at the time, he had to discuss it with his ally and he had to be left alone. 2) In Africa, the Germans fled and left the Italians alone see El Alemein. 3) Napoleon wanted to oust Murat, for his greed for power. Murat who together with other Italians have made a great contribution in the Russian campaign and beyond. This is a small part, I repeat read books with documentation and not Wikipedia or propaganda texts. Before talking about Italians, ask yourself where most of Western culture comes from and if you are capable of it, research it.

[@gosuc7340]

@@user-co8sk7gf7q 1.)The Germans didn't leave the Italians alone in El Alamain, they have lost that battle and retreated, which is (unlike italian behaviour in WW1) by far not the same than leaving die Italians alone. 2.) Mussolini started the military action in the Balkan Region wihout ever discussing it with her german allay and suffered a setback, and Germany in turn had to rescue her ass and started the Action against Greece and the British in Crete, which in turn delayed Hitlers plan to attack the Sovietunion. 3.) Short time before the end of the war against France, Italy "heroicly" attacked France without any success, and was therefore excluded for good reasons from the armistice negotiations. 4.) It's true, a lot of western culture dates back to the days of ancient roman power, but what does this have to do with Italian behaviour to change sides during war time when the tide has changed? 5.) Last not least, my brother in law is Italian ......

[@user-co8sk7gf7q]

@@gosuc7340 ahahahha, withdraw the troops leaving the others to cover your ass alone, is it a strategic retreat for you? It made a big mess with the Balkan war and the alliance without sequential and temporal logic. Listen to yours, it seems to me the typical propaganda of Eastern Europe that has permeated some uneducated minds of the West. Believe what you want, I apologize if I first commented thinking that he was interested in historical reality, but yours is only a way to express contempt towards the Italian people by telling anachronistic and incoherent facts. I withdraw the advice to open a book, as it would be useless. It is noting that you identify the contribution of Italian culture in the West and not only with the Roman Empire, it makes me understand how effective your knowledge is. Good life.

[@NoName-hg6cc]

LOL, you seem German by how you write. If so you are part of people with a backstabbing nature thst goes on since antiquity. Untrustworthy in peace like in war and highly incompetent 1) Yes they did, they also took their vehicles and weapons, something Italy never did 2) A legend born to cover German incompetence, they never won a war because of that 3) Germans only won against Soviet because they backstabbed them 4) What changing sides? You onow what Roman past should have taught Italian? That Germans are not to be trusted, nor you should give your bsck to them 5) Before you say anything, I do have a German friend...

[@TyroneSayWTF]

Great story; I had no idea.

[@Luca_Sleepy_af]

I like the history 👌😮

[@moistmike4150]

Great video! Although their political leadership and generalship was generally incompetent, the rand-and-file Italians served valiantly.

[@gelmibson883]

Woooo!

[@michaelstarr5861]

7:06 Don't give me a p39 With the engine mounted behind She'll tumble and spin And auger you in Don't give me a p39 NO

[@Mr_Dancy_Pants]

Poor guy. Been downing P-39's so much that as soon as he climbed in one, his instincts took over.

[@domenicozagari2443]

Mussolini was not a dictator but a prime minister appointed by the king.

[@stay_on_ground2351]

As an Italian, I'm so proud of discovering his story 🇮🇹

[@user-ge4dp]

Ace is an Ace!

[@neletg]

Hi! Plenty of Finish and Rumanian pilots switched sides also and credited shoots downs with the axis and the allies.

[@Handyman695]

Could you do more videos on Italy please 🙏

[@Ace_Ivo]

Great video! Believe there is no North African desert map in IL-2, is it a mod?

[@TJ3]

Yes, it is a mod!

[@KyleCowden]

@Renzic? The Renzic with the cool VHS logo? Yup, he's my other channel to watch.

[@robbybee70]

*sigh* dude is one of the best pilots out there, they give him a new plane and say "here try this"

[@alessioschiavone3898]

they gave him a worn out plane . america did this

[@robbybee70]

@@alessioschiavone3898 worn out is not an accurate term, by new I ment new to him which most people probably figured out, oh and he was likely assigned it by the Italian Cobeligerant force

[@ZhihengCao]

Wow did not know that the silver skin for Mc202 was actually for allied forces. In IL2 multiplayer server flying on German side, once shot down a MC202 with that skin (looked like P51), was quickly reprimanded in chat. Now I know it was not even a friendly fire.

[@macemichellemiller6275]

Just came across chanle real footage with simulation is cool.

[@jagsdomain203]

I wonder how hard it was to get permission from UK and US to fight against Germany. Especially when he was fighting against us. I know people questioned if Italians were reall

[@pietrolanza154]

After the armistice in 1943 the Italian Army became the Italian co-belligerent force, fighting alongsides with the Allies. If you want to go in to more detail search: Armistice of Cassabile 3rd Of September 1943

[@jagsdomain203]

@@pietrolanza154 this is the best part of the internet. So much brand new info. Will look it up thank you!

[@michaelstarr5861]

5:12 surely he must have switched to the c205 by then? C202 only had little machine guns in the 205 added twin 20 mm cannons which are much more effective against the B-17

[@jacobjonm0511]

2:55 The FW 190 was the best in 1942 by a big margin.

[@stevecarr5164]

Sorry, 1:43s. When ENGLAND and France were quickly defeated. Where are you getting your information. ?

[@joeydepalmer4457]

beautiful italian fight plane. would love to own 1 just to fly around canada in and maybe race it

[@MixtapeEntertainment]

1:42 *Great Britain

[@HarborLockRoad]

My paternal grandfather was in the italian army prior to and during ww2. The veterans were not paid any pension for military service prior to the 1943 surrender and switch. His military paperwork clearly shows this.( Ps- who else is quite sure this pilot got into one of the P-39s notorious flat spins and couldnt recover?)

[@Handyman695]

More Italian subject matter please 🙏

[@SUP_Bigans]

I read many ironically messages about Italy's swap side. How many of you lived those years? Did you ever opened some history's books about that period? Did you ever talk to a grandfather that was compelled to fight under a tiranny? Connect your brains before talk or type BS.

[@francolittlewilliam]

With germany engines Db 601/605/603 Regia Aereonautica had more potential : Macchi 202, Macchi 205, Reggiane 2001 , Reggiane 2005 , Fiat G55. Macchi 202 was a good airplane but with only two machine gun of 12,7 mm.

[@nicholassyrmis3789]

I greek Australia but I can't say anything bad about Italian because I got some Italian blood in by family background but the German are a different story I mean nazie are a different story .

[@bpmgaming3351]

It seems counterintuitive to not idolize single people in your military. We did that with our generals and aces. Think of General Patton or Eisenhower, or Richard Bong. It provides a great morale boost to the troops to know that they've got a skilled warrior on their side.

[@petefroehling8704]

you rarely hear about P-39s in north Africa

[@42Wesker]

In Steel Division 2 he appears as a hero unit.

[@f87max30]

The MC202/205 were viewed by many as better fighters than the Bf 109.

[@keith_5584]

Did the p39 stall out?

[@lorenzor2555]

Maybe also some german fighter Pilots shot down some allied aircraft and after 8th september 1943 also some italian Regia Aeronautica Planes? Just asking… (I am italian) I think there are some mistakes in the video: He couldn’t fly all the war with a MC 202, because it was available only in 1941. Maybe at first he had a MC 200 (with radial engine). And in 1943 probably he switched to a more powerful and fast MC 205, armed with 20 mm cannons

[@fosa744]

Such an awesome fighter pilot with an underrated plane can knock down a lot of more advanced plane during that time..Just like me..Ha Ha but in different field..

[@rangerrick8220]

So why did the aircraft crash that killed him?

[@wor53lg50]

I wonder who was in the ju 52 it mustt have been somebody important to be accompanied by two me 109's as if it was a mission thered be more transports and and more fighters, being such a small formation seems like they was trying to get to a destination without causing lots of attention..

[@netherwolves3412]

2:43 probably because the pilots were… interesting. There are records of Italian pilots strafing and bombing an island because they thought it was a submarine.

[@stralabastro142]

Prooves? None.

[@netherwolves3412]

@@stralabastro142 in the book “A Higher Call” I still respect these guys who fought, I could never risk my life like that. But because of lack of training or other reasons they weren’t really known for having the best troops/tanks/planes.

[@brunovicario2692]

@@netherwolves3412 italy wasn’t ready for the war, in fact Mussolini told Hitler during their famous “Rome-Berlin pact” that the war should start in the 42/43 for Italy to be ready. Hitler invaded Poland earlier without telling or plan with his Italian ally and we know how it ended for both of them. There was also competition between the two dictators don’t forget that.. so for Hitler having an inferior ally was good in his point of view, I don’t think this was a casual choice. This aside, I won’t judge (historically) the effort of a nation by single episodes..there is a context to always remember.

[@netherwolves3412]

@@brunovicario2692 yeah, didn’t Mussolini also think the war would be quick, so he would just be joining to have credit?

[@brunovicario2692]

@@netherwolves3412 truth! Another wrong bet.. like hitler invading Poland, that’s the problem with dictatorship.. at the end is the guy who choose. Democracies maybe are more slow in the decision making process but more wise.. in my opinion

[@tinchorb1340]

Hey tj Idk if you accept requests But could you talk about the squad 164, which was a squad made only by argentines during the battle of britain

[@TJ3]

I'll check it out!

[@tinchorb1340]

@@TJ3 oh god That was fast

[@tinchorb1340]

@@TJ3 they where also know as the "argentine british force" And beetween the most recognized argentine pilots you can find the first argentine selection of Rugby called "Los pumas"

[@tinchorb1340]

You can also find information about "The Black Knight" (also know as The Black Knight of Malta) Which was an argentine ace whit 12 confirmed kills His real name was Kenneth Langley Charney if i remember correctly Born in Quilmes but lived in Bahia Blanca, while he was young, he managed to become a "friend" of antone de saint exupery

[@tinchorb1340]

You also have Jimmy Fenton An argentine whit irish blood He had his first battle over the English channel And was a leader of a squad called "Los locos de Fenton" (the crazy ones of Fenton) or "El escuadron alpargatero" (The espadrille squad)

[@thENDweDIE]

Yo...B was set up, dawg..!! If it is not broke...Do not fix it...FFS..!! ((=)) No link to Ren..??

[@misterbig9025]

I don't like switching sides!

[@didierdenice7456]

Excellent video ! Thanks for sharing ! 👍 But as for the Japanese... those "victories" were only claims. There was not system to verify and officially record air kills and pilots would often freely claim full kills for actual shared kills... or damaged ennemy airplanes ! There is no doubt Martinoli was an ace and a very good fighter pilot. However just take the numbers you hear with a grain of salt.

[@scottfitzgerald1080]

the same can be said for all the other aces

[@giancarlogarlaschi4388]

When you see its Absolutely Futile to continue a lost cause ...you must make pragmatic , hard decisions.

[@Cesarc2]

Las condiciones en que Mussolini lanzó a sus FF.AA. a la guerra fueron lamentables.

[@peterironmonger5678]

England defeated ? you say . think not

[@dokumentit]

Italians, very reliable allies ...

[@jagsdomain203]

What is the symbol Italy used?

[@jamesburk2544]

Frenchman Pierre LeGloan was an ace on both sides.. Ironically, he also died in a P-39.

[@garwhittaker3743]

So he didn't personally switch sides his country did, there is a big difference.

[@maximechastain4332]

The problem with the Italians is that you never know on which side they are. Except maybe in soccer.

[@Gewehr_36]

Italian has many competent soldier but hindered by poor leadership

[@azspotfree]

A hero and a traitor for both sides, very unusual

[@bluekiwi3496]

Lol His whole Country switched sides 😂

[@phillsbrickfilms6059]

U got any story about any Brazillian ace?

[@TJ3]

Send me suggestions and I'll take a look!

[@pedroarthur919]

@@TJ3 there is the Brazilian pilot Rui Moreira Lima, who was one of the main Brazilian pilots who flew in Italy in a P47 Thunderbolt, there is also the Liutenant Torres, who sank a German u-boat with his PBY Catalina near the Brazilian coast

[@phillsbrickfilms6059]

@@TJ3 I found a Story about the only Brazillian squadron in WW2. This is the description I got from Google. Sorry for taking long to reply. I was at school. Anyways here is the google discription: Brazil entered the war on Aug. From the fall of 1944 to the end of the war, an all-volunteer group of 48 Brazilian fighter pilots flew as a squadron attached to the U.S. Army Air Forces' 350th Fighter Group, 12th Air Force, in Italy

[@domenicozagari2443]

They could not bare having an Italian top ace in the allied side.

[@jvee4072]

most impressive. too bad modern air combat isnt as noble as itt once was. gotta wonder what a modern, prop driven, fighter would look like IF jets never came to be

[@giancarlogarlaschi4388]

To the British : - Dunkirk Defeat - Fall of Singapore . - Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse. - Fall of Tobruk . - PQ 17 Convoy Disaster. - Operation Market Garden. - Operation Crusader. - Operation Battle Axe . - Winning El Alamein 5 to 1 ... - Boer War , South Africa. - Battle of the Somme. - Battle of Cartagena de Indias. - Yorktown Defeat ( American Revolution ). Etc etc ...

[@nicko9875]

I would Like you to have had a conversation with my grandfather (Commandos/SAS -North Africa, Sicily, and Italian campaigns).

[@Happy-wb8gi]

@@nicko9875 tbh sir, In that case the Italians can mention the Arditis in 1st ww or XMAS in the 2ww in Alexandria. They were the first SF in the world, they came out 10 years before the SAS and first to be parachuted in enemy line. The XMAS damaged alot of ships in Alexandria and used the Maiale, which England then copied known as the PIG.XMAS, a small group of men putting fear into the Royal Navy. This is were your SBS started, as they then turned sides and helped England and even got medals from the Comander of the ship they damaged. Ref the SAS, not sure if your aware, but their moto is incredibly similar to the ARDITIS, THE DARING ONES! And the symbol of a dager with leafs is too! Ref the SAS in the South of Italy, with all due respect, the Italian soldiers were farmers who were drafted up and Lead by poor orders, it would have been another story if it was the the Italuan Paras, Folgore, who are professional soldiers and could not be defeated by English army in ElAlamain, to which Churchill himself said they were amazing and called them the LIONS a name they kept to today. Respect to all these men, regardless which side.

[@frederickgates4349]

I did

[@thENDweDIE]

Q : Is it spelt 'RinziK' ..?? DYK : Italy was first to paint fangs on their air ships..!?

[@MrLotrecht]

Which Italien Soldier didnt do that?

[@gasgiant7122]

When was England "defeated"?

[@3v4761]

Should have given him a better plane

[@valterisumberg1726]

Ta oli tõeline roomalane Oma itaalja maa ees ehk 20 sajanti roomalane sõdalane vääriline. Vana rooma sõdalaste kangelase tegudes lahingus

[@beatglauser9444]

It is somehow a shame that Italian pilots were very often unterrated. Actually it was true that the British shot down MANY Italian planes in Northern Africa. The Fiat CR 42 had a hard time holding up against modern British monoplanes. That time the Gladiatos were replaced more and more by Hurricanes. But with the introduction of the more modern Italian planes equipped with German engines a good pilot was able to down about every allied plane. There was actually a plan made by the Germans to produce the newest Macchi fighters in Northern Italy. They were probably better than the Me 109.

[@Desertduleler_88]

The Italians always have a habit of switching sides.

[@MikeyD22]

Can you elaborate?

[@fishingmasterstudios9481]

mustve been weird for him to go from fighting us to fighting nazis