An Italian fighter Fiat CR.32 shot down a Spanish Republican fighter (perhaps a Dewoitine) during the Spanish Civil War: well-known photo released by the Italian Ministry of the Propaganda’s service and for many times published in uncritical matter. But a simple observation disclose in this picture, furthermore heavily retouched, a photomontage. Another photo which “isn’t a photo”. Not photo, but Artwork/poster. Cheers… Victor Sierra

Another “strange” photo

Voluntary repost. When this photo, perhaps the most famous picture of the air operations during the Spanish Civil War, was published in WW2in color, she caused many perplexity. In effect, years ago some Italian aviation’s historians had many doubts about its authenticity. For example: the reciprocal position between the CR.32 fighters and the S.81 bomber, very strange for an escort flight; the fighter seems busy in other matters, not in the “cover” of the bomber; this latter seem pushed against one of the CR.32s… All is very strange… lastly the authentic negative seem disappeared from the Italian Air Force’s archives. Conclusion: likely a photo which “isn’t a photo”, but the result of good photomontage of Italian propaganda’s services of this time. As subject I suggest Poster/Artwork… Cheers, Victor Sierra

A photo which “isn’t a photo”

First page of an U.S. War Department Recognition Guide for the Italian fighter Macchi MC.202. Release date April 1943. Victor Sierra