91a Squadriglia
Squadriglia 91a was one of the later fighter squadrons that the Italian Army created, on 1 May 1917. Because it drew an experienced cadre of pilots from pre-existing 70a Squadriglia, the squadron scored 14 victories within its first month of flying combat. As a result, it became known as "the squadron of aces". The new unit was immediately drawn into the ongoing Battles of the Isonzo in northern Italy. In September 1917, the squadron would serve as test pilots of the universally condemned SIA 7 multipurpose aircraft.
| 91a Squadriglia | |
|---|---|
ensign of the 91ยช Squadriglia caccia of the Regia Aeronautica | |
| Active | Founded 1 May 1917 |
| Country | Kingdom of Italy |
| Branch | Corpo Aeronautico Militare |
| Type | Fighter squadron |
| Nickname(s) | "Squadron of the Aces" |
| Engagements | World War I |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Nieuport 11 SPAD S.VII SPAD S.XIII |
The squadron fought in the disastrous Battle of Caporetto in late 1917 and suffered through the subsequent retreat. On 11 April 1918, it returned to combat at Quinto di Treviso, with an added task of flying ground support missions. After Italy's top ace, Francesco Baracca was killed on such a mission, King Victor Emmanuel III renamed the squadron to honor the fallen ace. 91a Squadriglia would end the war credited with 60 aerial victories for a cost of six killed. Nine pilots scored five or more victories while serving with the squadron.