On 22 November 1904, Ruffo di
Calibria joined the 11th Foggia Light Cavalry
Regiment. After serving in Africa, he returned
to Italy and transferred to aviation in 1914.
Flying the Nieuport 11, Nieuport 17 and SPAD
S.VII, he engaged in 53 aerial combats and was
credited with 20 victories. Upon the death of
Francesco Baracca, Ruffo di Calibria assumed
command of 91a Squadriglia but was later relieved
by Ferruccio Ranza when he suffered a nervous
breakdown. Returning to duty, he assumed command
of 10th Gruppo on 23 October 1918 but less than
a week later, he was shot down by artillery fire
near Marano.
By virtue of her marriage to Prince Albert
in 1959, Ruffo di Calibria's granddaughter
Paola
became Queen of Belgium in 1993.
|
