Wholesale Aerial Operations in the Revolutions of 1922 & 47, Paraguay

The First Dogfights in South America In the first half of the 20th Century, Paraguay saw several revolutions (1904, 1908, 1911-12, 1922-23, 1936, 1947). The 1922 crisis sparked a bloody revolution and, for the first time, both sides used aerial power. With no airplanes or pilots in Paraguay, both the Ayala government and the Chirife-Mendoza revolutionaries searched for foreign pilots and planes in Buenos Aires. Many WWI veterans moved to Latin America, opening flight schools or serving in conflicts; some arrived with aircraft bought by the government or rebels. Three Paraguayan pilots offered their services to the government, which established the first air base near the capital at Ñu-Guazú. The rebels based near Villarrica and later Cangó. The main aircraft used by both sides were the Ansaldo SVA5 and SVA10, with the government also purchasing a Breguet XIV, an Armstrong Whitworth FK.8, a SPAD S.20 and a couple of SAML A.3. Dogfights, bombing raids, strafing and recce missions followed. By mid-1923 the revolutionaries were defeated, leading to the Military Aviation School’s foundation. The 1947 Revolution, though brief, was as bloody. The government, backed by the Colorado Party, fought revolutionaries backed by the Liberal, Febrerista and Communist parties; air power split early but most flying aircraft initially belonged to the rebels, based at Concepción. Loyalists later restored aircraft, including Caproni AP-1s, though many prewar Italian types were out of service. PT-19, BT-13 and AT-6 trainers provided recce and light bombing with mortar ammo; Capronis were used in air combat with limited dogfights and some losses to AA. Ultimately the government won, hindered by rebel disorganization. This is the first in-depth account with data, pictures, maps and profiles, some unpublished before. Series: Latin America@War Binding: Paperback Pages: 48 Author: Antonio Luis Sapienza Imprint: Helion and Company Image Note: 84 b/w photos/ills, 18 color profiles, 3 color maps, 4 b/w maps, 4 tables