WOW409 Fiat CR.32 Falco

Description

The Fiat CR.32 was an Italian fighter used in the Spanish Civil War and WW2. Designed by the Celestion Rosatelli, it was a compact, robust and highly manoeuvrable aircraft for its era, leading to it being a relatively popular fighter during the 1930s.

The CR.32 fought in North and East Africa, in Albania, and in the Mediterranean theatre. It was extensively used in the Spanish Civil War where it gained a reputation as one of the most outstanding fighter biplanes of all time. It also saw service in the air forces of China, Austria, Hungary and others. Furthermore it frequently performed impressive displays all over Europe in the hands of the Italian Pattuglie Acrobatiche.

During the late 1930s, the CR.32 was overtaken subsequently by more advanced monoplane designs; by the start of WW2, it was considered to be obsolete. While it had been superseded by a number of newer Italian fighters, including the newer Fiat CR.42 that had been derived from the CR.32, the type continued to be flown throughout the war.

Our Fiat was one flown by Captain Mario D’Agostini, 163^rd Squadron, based at in Rhodes-Marizza airport in 1940.  Captain Mario D’Agostini was killed during an attack on Tobruk on June 15^th 1942, aged 28. Flying a Macchi M.C.200 “Saetta” or “Lightning”.  He joined the Italian Air Force Academy in 1935, receiving his military pilot’s license in 1937 and in May 1938, the appointment as second lieutenant.   Assigned first to the Miraglia, a float plane support ship.  He was transferred in March 1939 he was transferred to the 163rd squadron autonomous fighter in the Aegean theatre, where he was promoted to lieutenant. He participated in numerous bomber escort missions after the declaration of war. Promoted to captain, he assumed command of the 94th fighter squadron of the 8th group.
He was posthumously awarded the Italian Gold Medal of Valour. While previously awarded a Silver Medal and a Bronze Medal for Military Valour, the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Crown of Italy and the German Iron Cross Second Class.

The figures/accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included. Model measures 25cm by 33cm approximately.