Macchi C202

[LukeFF]

In truth, the "Italian" comment probably did apply, especially in the early phases of US ground involvement (think Kasserine), but my guess is that the Brits were at least somewhat more appreciative of the Americans than the Germans were of their principle ally-

 

Reminds me of an intelligence bulletin published in October 1942:

 

3. GERMAN-ITALIAN RELATIONS

 

Is there a spoke or two broken in the Axis?

 

There have been many reports for a long time that German and Italian soldiers do not get along well together. The Italians are said to hate the Germans, and the Germans, in turn, make sly remarks about the fighting abilities of the Italians. Some of these reports have come from official sources. The following extract from a German publication captured in Libya seems to bear out these reports:

 

"ITALIAN WAR COMMUNIQUE"

 

"On the Tobruk front a large force of Italians attacked an enemy cyclist, causing him to dismount. After heavy and prolonged fighting they were able to puncture his tires. The front wheel was destroyed, and the loss of the rear wheel must also be considered possible. The handlebars are in our hands, but possession of the frame is still being bitterly contested."

 

"H. Q. Royal Italian Army"

 

 

http://lonesentry.com/articles/misc_oct42/index.html

Edited July 30, 2017 by LukeFF

[chris455]

Priceless