A serviceman closing the canopy of an Italian Air Force’s Macchi MC.202 while the pilot is ready for take-off. The aircraft is a MC.202 of 374th Squadriglia, 153rd Gruppo, "Asso di Bastoni" ("Ace of Clubs") on a Sicilian airfield, 1942. The red cross over the fuselage’s white strip is the cap of battery housing. Victor Sierra

Closing the canopy

Sheltered by the anti-blast pen an Italian fighter FIAT G.50 with engine running without chocks and pilot or serviceman on board (one serviceman in singlet and shorts is on the right wing). Unit and airfield unknown (but perhaps on Italy). Note the rough condition of the terrain and a CR.42 in background. Victor Sierra

Anti-blast pen

The Macchi MC.202 “Folgore” fuselage code 378-4 of 155th Gruppo’s 378th Squadriglia, Italian Air Force. The 155th Gruppo at the beginning an autonomous fighter unit (155th Gruppo Autonomo Caccia), from April 1942 was assigned to 51st Stormo Caccia “Black Cat”. The presence of the “Black Cat” with three green mouse, 51st Stormo’s emblem, over the fuselage date therefore this photo, taken on an Italian airport, after April 1942. Note, also, the radio mast’s absence and the engine cowling’s color different from the “continental” camouflage of entire airplane, sign of use of an engine cowling coming from another aircraft. Victor Sierra