The Montello Cycling Tour: Francesco Baracca [#4]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1556790/view/4706913871769004155 After a pleasant cycle over Montello and down the hill, we take a right, a second right and face the 15% incline back up. Don't worry, it's only half a kilometer. Here, we arrive at our next destination!
[hr][/hr]
On the side of Montello hill overlooking Nervesa della Battaglia (if it wasn't for the trees), we find ourselves at a shrine-like monument made in honor of Count Francesco Baracca, an Italian war hero credited for 34 aerial victories. He was one of the highest-scoring pilots of the Allies, but sadly did not survive the war.
Born in 1888, Baracca entered the Military Academy of Modena in 1907 at the age of 19 and became a cavalryman with the Piemonte Reale Cavalleria in 1910. After a short period of being stationed near Rome and later in central Italy, he took an interest in aviation and got his pilot's license in France, 1912. Baracca served the Battaglione Aviatori from then on and into WW1.
In 1915, Baracca was assigned to the 8a Squadriglia Nieuport. However, the French Nieuport 10s biplanes used by this squadron were heavily outclassed by the Austro-Hungarians as they were too slow and the guns had the tendency to jam when you needed them the most. A year later, the squadron was upgraded with Nieuport 11 fighters equipped with Lewis guns. With this new plane, it took Baracca only a couple days to score his first victory, the first aerial victory of Italy in the war. The maneuver he used for this victory quickly became his signature move: he would fly behind and below the enemy, moving in while remaining unseen. Once within pistol range, he would unleash the Lewis. Around this time, Baracca adopted a black prancing horse as his personal emblem, plastered on his plane in tribute of his former cavalry regiment. We'll get back to this later!
He got his second victory over Gorizia a couple weeks later and was transferred to a new squadron as Capitano after his third victory, Baracca and his new SPAD VII plane were transferred again after 9 victories a year later to the newly formed 91st Squadriglia as the head of the "Squadron of the Aces". At this point, he was already nationally famous for his victories. Baracca almost lost his life to friendly fire by one of his friends, Fulco Ruffo di Calabria, who was later senator of Italy until 1934 and father of Paola Ruffo di Calabria, Queen of Belgium until 2013 as wife of former king Albert II.
His success continued throughout the war, being promoted to Maggiore (Major) in November 1917 and raising his victory count to 30. Baracca didn't see much action in 1918 but did get 4 more victories. In June 1918, he was assigned to a strafing mission on Montello. Accompanied by rookie pilot Franco Osnago, they were hit by ground fire and got seperated. Minutes later, both Osnago and the airfield saw a plane light up in flames and fall from the sky. After the Austro-Hungarian retreat, Baracca's remains were recovered. Reportedly, he took a bullet to the head, but it's unclear what exactly took place. His pistol was out of its holster and away from his body, leading people to think he took his own life before hitting the ground. However, an Austrian pilot claimed to have shot him in combat, which is backed up by Austro-Hungarian records.
Francesco Baracca was awarded with a Gold Medal of Military Valor, two Silver Medals of Military Valor, one Bronze Medal of Military Valor, the British Military Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, the Belgian Order of the Crown and the Serbian Order of Karaore Star for his service during the war. His home in Lugo di Romagna was turned into a museum dedicated to him, many bridges and roads across the country are named after him. The airport of Bolzano, the Roma-Centocelle Air Force base and the Lugo di Romagna airfield are named after him as well.
The monument we're at right now was erected where Baracca's plane crashed. Once proudly looking over Nervesa della Battaglia, the spot is now quite obscured by trees, visible only to those who visit the monument to remember him. The monument features a dedication by Gabriele D'Annunzio on its frieze and a plaque in the center with his likeness, the Prancing Horse from his emblem and the griffin used by the 91st Squadriglia.
The Baracca legacy continues to this day, however. In the years following the war, Baracca's mother paid a visit to Enzo Ferrari. She suggested to adopt the Baracca Prancing Horse for the logo of Ferrari, as a good luck charm. Ferrari accepted this request. While the exact design was changed numerous times over the years, the iconic Ferrari logo likely one of the most recognizable logos in the world is the Prancing Horse of Francesco Baracca.
Our next stop isn't that far away: the Sacrario Ossario Militare del Montello. You'll have some downhill to enjoy, but don't get too comfortable! There's even steeper incline around the corner. See you there!
The route on Google Maps [hr][/hr]
The Montello Cycling Tour is a collaboration with local organizations. We'd like to thank them for helping us out with information about the region, the history and photos they provided. If you're interested in visiting the area, please check them out and tell them we sent you! [table noborder=1] [tr] [td]
[/td] [td] For bike renting and a historic tour with possibility for a meal.
https://aglizattieri.com/ [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]
[/td] [td] Looking for your next holiday destination?
https://visitproseccohills.it/en [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]
[/td] [td] Want to learn more about WW1 and the history of the area?
Location on Google Maps [/td] [/tr] [/table] [hr][/hr]
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[ 2024-09-27 12:30:44 CET ] [ Original post ]
To celebrate the release of the Montello Expansion, we bring you the Montello Cycling Tour! Prepare for inclines. In the Cycling Tour, we'll be exploring the area represented in the Montello map. There's a lot of history to be found here, from the very structures that played a role in this battle to the monuments erected in memory della Grande Guerra. Every friday we'll make a new stop at one of these historic locations until we arrive at our final destination: The Nervesa della Battaglia train station.
Previously: The History of Montello Hill [#3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1556790/view/4706913871769004155 After a pleasant cycle over Montello and down the hill, we take a right, a second right and face the 15% incline back up. Don't worry, it's only half a kilometer. Here, we arrive at our next destination!
[hr][/hr]
Stop #4: Monumento a Francesco Baracca
On the side of Montello hill overlooking Nervesa della Battaglia (if it wasn't for the trees), we find ourselves at a shrine-like monument made in honor of Count Francesco Baracca, an Italian war hero credited for 34 aerial victories. He was one of the highest-scoring pilots of the Allies, but sadly did not survive the war.
Born in 1888, Baracca entered the Military Academy of Modena in 1907 at the age of 19 and became a cavalryman with the Piemonte Reale Cavalleria in 1910. After a short period of being stationed near Rome and later in central Italy, he took an interest in aviation and got his pilot's license in France, 1912. Baracca served the Battaglione Aviatori from then on and into WW1.
WW1
In 1915, Baracca was assigned to the 8a Squadriglia Nieuport. However, the French Nieuport 10s biplanes used by this squadron were heavily outclassed by the Austro-Hungarians as they were too slow and the guns had the tendency to jam when you needed them the most. A year later, the squadron was upgraded with Nieuport 11 fighters equipped with Lewis guns. With this new plane, it took Baracca only a couple days to score his first victory, the first aerial victory of Italy in the war. The maneuver he used for this victory quickly became his signature move: he would fly behind and below the enemy, moving in while remaining unseen. Once within pistol range, he would unleash the Lewis. Around this time, Baracca adopted a black prancing horse as his personal emblem, plastered on his plane in tribute of his former cavalry regiment. We'll get back to this later!
He got his second victory over Gorizia a couple weeks later and was transferred to a new squadron as Capitano after his third victory, Baracca and his new SPAD VII plane were transferred again after 9 victories a year later to the newly formed 91st Squadriglia as the head of the "Squadron of the Aces". At this point, he was already nationally famous for his victories. Baracca almost lost his life to friendly fire by one of his friends, Fulco Ruffo di Calabria, who was later senator of Italy until 1934 and father of Paola Ruffo di Calabria, Queen of Belgium until 2013 as wife of former king Albert II.
The Montello Mission
His success continued throughout the war, being promoted to Maggiore (Major) in November 1917 and raising his victory count to 30. Baracca didn't see much action in 1918 but did get 4 more victories. In June 1918, he was assigned to a strafing mission on Montello. Accompanied by rookie pilot Franco Osnago, they were hit by ground fire and got seperated. Minutes later, both Osnago and the airfield saw a plane light up in flames and fall from the sky. After the Austro-Hungarian retreat, Baracca's remains were recovered. Reportedly, he took a bullet to the head, but it's unclear what exactly took place. His pistol was out of its holster and away from his body, leading people to think he took his own life before hitting the ground. However, an Austrian pilot claimed to have shot him in combat, which is backed up by Austro-Hungarian records.
Baracca's Legacy
Francesco Baracca was awarded with a Gold Medal of Military Valor, two Silver Medals of Military Valor, one Bronze Medal of Military Valor, the British Military Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, the Belgian Order of the Crown and the Serbian Order of Karaore Star for his service during the war. His home in Lugo di Romagna was turned into a museum dedicated to him, many bridges and roads across the country are named after him. The airport of Bolzano, the Roma-Centocelle Air Force base and the Lugo di Romagna airfield are named after him as well.
The monument we're at right now was erected where Baracca's plane crashed. Once proudly looking over Nervesa della Battaglia, the spot is now quite obscured by trees, visible only to those who visit the monument to remember him. The monument features a dedication by Gabriele D'Annunzio on its frieze and a plaque in the center with his likeness, the Prancing Horse from his emblem and the griffin used by the 91st Squadriglia.
The Baracca legacy continues to this day, however. In the years following the war, Baracca's mother paid a visit to Enzo Ferrari. She suggested to adopt the Baracca Prancing Horse for the logo of Ferrari, as a good luck charm. Ferrari accepted this request. While the exact design was changed numerous times over the years, the iconic Ferrari logo likely one of the most recognizable logos in the world is the Prancing Horse of Francesco Baracca.
Up next
Our next stop isn't that far away: the Sacrario Ossario Militare del Montello. You'll have some downhill to enjoy, but don't get too comfortable! There's even steeper incline around the corner. See you there!
The route on Google Maps [hr][/hr]
Visit Montello!
The Montello Cycling Tour is a collaboration with local organizations. We'd like to thank them for helping us out with information about the region, the history and photos they provided. If you're interested in visiting the area, please check them out and tell them we sent you! [table noborder=1] [tr] [td]
[/td] [td] For bike renting and a historic tour with possibility for a meal.
Bike Rental Montello
https://aglizattieri.com/ [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]
[/td] [td] Looking for your next holiday destination?
Visit Prosecco Hills
https://visitproseccohills.it/en [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]
[/td] [td] Want to learn more about WW1 and the history of the area?
Museo della Battaglia di Vittorio Veneto
Location on Google Maps [/td] [/tr] [/table] [hr][/hr]
Follow our socials:
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Isonzo
M2H
M2H
2022-09-13
Indie Strategy Simulation MMO Singleplayer Multiplayer
Game News Posts 161
🎹🖱️Keyboard + Mouse
🎮 Full Controller Support
Very Positive
(10705 reviews)
https://www.ww1gameseries.com/isonzo/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1556790
K Station Windows Content [17.84 G]
World War One expands to the mountains of the Italian Front - beautiful but deadly in equal measure. Inspired by the two year struggle for control of the Isonzo river valley and the Alps during World War One, Isonzo elevates the WW1 Games Series, figuratively and literally.
From the makers of Verdun and Tannenberg …
The new Offensive game mode puts you right in the middle of key historical offensives on the Italian Front. Lead the charge across stunning Italian landscapes as you choose your path to victory - cut paths through barbed wire, flank your enemies by following mountain trails, or man a mortar to blast a way through. Shape a dynamic battlefield by laying sandbags and wire, placing ammo crates, deploying trench periscopes or sniper shields, and more.
![]()
Take part in historical offensives from the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo to the Strafexpedition. Reflecting the course of the actual battles, as the attackers advance the fighting will shift through vastly different landscapes within a single offensive: from hillside fortresses to mountain trenches and fierce urban combat on city streets. Everything is recreated based on research and field trips, from sound effects and uniforms down to the houses, vineyards and trenches you’ll be fighting over.
![]()
Call in support with a unique historically accurate flare system: flare guns can mark targets for artillery or biplane flybys, or different colored flares can be used to guide your team. Once the big guns have softened up the enemy, finish the job at close quarters with an Arditi dagger or mountaineer’s pickaxe. Man heavy machine guns, mortars and even mountain guns for more direct fire support.
![]()
Choose from six classes based on historical combat roles and build your loadout from a selection of weapons, equipment and perks linked to that class, giving flexibility and variety while staying grounded in what real soldiers might have carried. You’ll be operating wire cutters, bandaging yourself and wounded teammates, and blowing the whistle to start an assault. One shot can kill and even lighter injuries can lead to quickly bleeding out.
Being an effective soldier in Isonzo is not just about being a good marksman. Mastering the terrain is also key - the mountain can be a friend or foe. Learn how to navigate well to maintain cover and surprise your enemies or support your allies.
Finally… watch out for the dreaded poison gas. You’ve never experienced WW1 action quite like this!
Isonzo key features include:
![]()
More Games in the Authentic WW1 Game Series
Immerse yourself in more WW1 action with our other standalone titles Tannenberg and Verdun. Experience trench warfare on the Western Front in Verdun, or maneuver for control of key sectors in Tannenberg on the Eastern Front. These authentic WW1 shooters let players choose from a range of squads from across the war, as they fight for control of the ever-changing frontlines.
From the makers of Verdun and Tannenberg …
The new Offensive game mode puts you right in the middle of key historical offensives on the Italian Front. Lead the charge across stunning Italian landscapes as you choose your path to victory - cut paths through barbed wire, flank your enemies by following mountain trails, or man a mortar to blast a way through. Shape a dynamic battlefield by laying sandbags and wire, placing ammo crates, deploying trench periscopes or sniper shields, and more.
Take part in historical offensives from the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo to the Strafexpedition. Reflecting the course of the actual battles, as the attackers advance the fighting will shift through vastly different landscapes within a single offensive: from hillside fortresses to mountain trenches and fierce urban combat on city streets. Everything is recreated based on research and field trips, from sound effects and uniforms down to the houses, vineyards and trenches you’ll be fighting over.
Call in support with a unique historically accurate flare system: flare guns can mark targets for artillery or biplane flybys, or different colored flares can be used to guide your team. Once the big guns have softened up the enemy, finish the job at close quarters with an Arditi dagger or mountaineer’s pickaxe. Man heavy machine guns, mortars and even mountain guns for more direct fire support.
Choose from six classes based on historical combat roles and build your loadout from a selection of weapons, equipment and perks linked to that class, giving flexibility and variety while staying grounded in what real soldiers might have carried. You’ll be operating wire cutters, bandaging yourself and wounded teammates, and blowing the whistle to start an assault. One shot can kill and even lighter injuries can lead to quickly bleeding out.
Being an effective soldier in Isonzo is not just about being a good marksman. Mastering the terrain is also key - the mountain can be a friend or foe. Learn how to navigate well to maintain cover and surprise your enemies or support your allies.
Finally… watch out for the dreaded poison gas. You’ve never experienced WW1 action quite like this!
Isonzo key features include:
- Mountain warfare: Assaulting mountain fortifications, battling through ruined towns, and fording rivers are just a few of the challenges you’ll face as you fight your way through numerous enemy positions
- Tactical multiplayer FPS: Choose your role and loadout carefully to survive this high altitude combat - play a sniper to pick off the enemy engineers before they can cut your wire, use rifle grenades to clear enemy machine guns, and much more
- World War One Gameplay: Historical Offensive game mode based on real battles and focused on the unique challenges of Alpine warfare. Fight with 30+ WW1 weapons, poisonous gas attacks, and intense artillery barrages
- Build for victory: Place your own wire, sandbags, trench periscopes, and more! Whether you’re digging in or on the attack, shaping the battlefield to your advantage will be key to victory
- Faces of war: Make every class your own by picking from a variety of historically class-appropriate uniforms, accessories and headgear. As a finishing touch, you can even pick your mustache from several famous period-accurate styles!
- Authentic WW1 atmosphere: Accuracy in everything from maps and weaponry to music and the uniforms – fight for the Kingdom of Italy or the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy
More Games in the Authentic WW1 Game Series
Immerse yourself in more WW1 action with our other standalone titles Tannenberg and Verdun. Experience trench warfare on the Western Front in Verdun, or maneuver for control of key sectors in Tannenberg on the Eastern Front. These authentic WW1 shooters let players choose from a range of squads from across the war, as they fight for control of the ever-changing frontlines.
MINIMAL SETUP
- OS: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
- Storage: 20 GB available space
- OS: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- Processor: Intel i7-4770Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Storage: 20 GB available space
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