FIAT G50
Unit: 20 Gruppo, CAI
Serial: 20 (MM5372)
Belgium, November 1940. This Fiat G.50 (MM5372) is a typical example of three-tone camouflage applied on the upper and lateral surfaces of the Fiat G.50. The bird was flown by magg.Mario Bonzano, CO of 20 Gruppo of the Italian Air Corps in Belgium, over the Channel in Winter 1940/1941. The basic colour was Giallo Mimetico 3 (FS 33434) which was mottled with Verde Mimetico 3 (FS 34102) and Marrone Mimetico 1 (FS 30118}. The undersides were Grigio Mimetico (FS 36293). Heavy weathering in the cockpit area was caused by a protective tarpaulin, which held moisture in places where it wax in contact with the fuselage. It was moisture, unusually low temperatures (compared to Italian climate) and mechanic abrasion which accounted for damage of the paint in exposed areas. Bonzano's mount wore black discs on main undercarriage covers. Although the 20 Gruppo saw the largest deployment in Belgium of all Italian units, it did not achieve any victories. Later, the Gruppo operated in Africa, where Bonzano scored two victories. From 1938 to 1939 Bonzano fought in Spain.
Unit: 351 Squadriglia, 20 Gruppo, 56 Stormo C.T., Corpo Aeronautico Italiano, Regia Aeronautica
Serial: 351-2
Ursel, Belgium, late 1940.
Unit: 260 Sqn, RAF
Serial: unknown
This aircraft was captured by South African Forces in Libya. It is seen in the colours of No 260 Squadron RAF based in Palestine during 1942.
