The Corpo Aereo Italiano, or CAI, was an expeditionary force from the Italian Regia Aeronautica that participated in the Battle of Britain and the Blitz during the final months of 1940 during World War II. The CAI supported the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and flew against the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and Fleet Air Arm (FAA). The CAI achieved limited success during its brief existence, but it was generally hampered by the inadequacy of its equipment.
An Italian Fiat CR.42 deployed in Belgium, 1940
Fiat BR.20M MM.22267 of 242a squadriglia on the airfield. This particular plane was shot down on 11 November 1940.
A Falco biplane fighter after crash-landing near Lowestoft, Suffolk on 11 November 1940. The pilot successfully evaded three British Hurricanes, but was forced down by a propeller malfunction.
Expeditionary warfare is a military invasion of a foreign territory, especially away from established bases. Expeditionary forces were in part the antecedent of the modern concept of rapid deployment forces. Traditionally, expeditionary forces were essentially self-sustaining with an organic logistics capability and with a full array of supporting arms.
Alexander the Great fighting in India
Empire of Alexander the Great
"Yermak's conquest of Siberia", a painting by Russian artist Vasily Surikov depicting the Russian conquest of Siberia.
A squadron of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force off New Britain in September 1914
