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

MC.202: an US Recognition Guide

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

The second page of the U.S. War Department Recognition Guide Macchi MC.202: «DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Single in-line engine, low-wing monoplane. Wings have dihedral from roots with equal taper and rounded tips. Long nose and spinner. Small cockpit canopy. Torpedo-shaped fuselage. Tapered fin and rudder. Elliptical tail plane. INTEREST: A number of these planes have been used in combat over Egypt, Libya, and Malta. To date, they have had only a little better success than the MC.200, an earlier version of this plane which has a radial engine. Apparently they are not as fast as they should be, nor are they adequately armed, although they are capable, in some instances, of keeping pace with Allied medium and light bombers. Unlike the MC.200, the cockpit cover of this plane is not transparent all around, and with its lengthened nose, it is questionable whether the pilots of the MC-202 have sufficient visibility». Victor Sierra