Ernesto was born in Turin, Italy, on November 8, 1907. He entered the academy in 1929 and obtained his pilot’s license in 1932. In 1933, he was assigned to the 1o Stormo C.T., and three years later he transferred to the 53o Stormo C.T.
Hero of the Spanish Civil War
In April 1937, Botto volunteered for the Pyrenees. He shot down his first Republican aircraft (an I-16) on August 6, 1937. His most dramatic battle occurred on October 12, when, in his “Fiat,” he participated in a large engagement with I-15s and I-16s covering SB bombers. Botto shot down one “Chato” but was wounded himself, though he managed to make an emergency landing. In total, five Italian fighters were shot down in that battle.
His wounds were very serious, and doctors amputated one of his legs. For this action, Botto received the Medaglia d’Oro al Valor Militare, Italy’s highest military award. Despite the loss of his leg, he continued to fly, earning him the nickname “Iron Leg.” He depicted this on the emblem later adopted by the 3a Squadriglia of the IIo Gruppo Caccia. He returned from Spain in May 1938 with 4 victories, though some sources put the number at 7.
Service in World War II
Upon his return, he was appointed to command the 73a Squadriglia of the 4o Stormo C.T. In early July 1940, he was sent to Sicily, from where he began flying missions over Malta. He also shot down the first enemy aircraft over Malta, on the morning of July 3, 1940. Botto led nine CR.42s covering a pair of S.79s on a reconnaissance mission.
John Waters, in one of the new “Hurricane” aircraft, attacked the scouts. The fire from the British fighter’s eight machine guns was accurate, and one bomber soon fell into the sea; the crew parachuted but are still listed as missing. This was the first Italian aircraft shot down over Malta. However, Waters did not get far either; his aircraft was damaged in the skirmish with the Fiats and crashed upon landing. This victory was credited to Botto (although he claimed it as a “Spitfire”). On July 12, the unit was transferred to Libya.
On October 12, Botto shot down a “Blenheim” from the 55th Squadron. In December 1940, Ernesto was involved in a car accident and was transferred to staff work, and then to a flight school.
Later Life and Legacy
After Italy’s capitulation in September 1943, he joined the A.N.R. (Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana) Air Force under Mussolini. He retired in March 1944. He finished the war with 7 victories. Ernesto Botto died on December 11, 1984.