Valuable first-hand documentation of the Fiumana enterprise.

Tomaso Cartosio was a lieutenant aviator belonging to the first Fiume squadron during the occupation of Fiume led by Gabriele D'Annunzio between 1919 and 1920. He actively participated in the enterprise, D'Annunzio affectionately called him the "crucified of the wing", known for flying in a single-seater SVA, often astride the fuselage.


The first letter, written on the verso of a bulletin by D'Annunzio from the Italian Army Command in Fiume, written by Major Vaghini to Professor Villa, refers to the blockade imposed by General Caviglia to isolate the city after D'Annunzio's decision. The letter also mentions a transfer of information and the support needed given the supply difficulties, but also the strong determination of the volunteers: "We, seven aviators, are at the camp to defend it with 80 Alpine troops. Naturally, a life of fear, the cruelest. (...)". A subsequent note signed by Cartosio informs us of a transfer of aircraft, using the Milanese base of Sesto San Giovanni. The following letter by Cartosio is very beautiful and intense, where Fiume is exalted as the "shroud of the Fatherland": "The world today has nothing pure but this longing for Italian passion, this bronze Italian will. (...)" dated 9 December 1920, and therefore a few days before the famous Bloody Christmas (24-30 December 1920) when the regular Italian troops attacked Fiume to put an end to D'Annunzio's enterprise. Between these lines there is all the tension and determination of the moment. Also of notable interest is the following letter, written by Gino Guanetti, D'Annunzio's historic secretary in the city, and also addressed to Villa, dated 1 August 1920. It discusses the negotiations for the supply and transit of material that Prof. Villa is trying to get to Fiume, bypassing the blockade of the Italian government. The solution seems to be found through "a wholesaler from Trieste". Further on the Commander, i.e. d'Annunzio, is mentioned, whose The directives were followed and observed by all. The period was crucial, as it was just eleven days before the proclamation of the Italian Regency of Carnaro (12 August 1920), at a time when the Fiume resistance was being organised also thanks to the support of private individuals such as Professor Villa. In the following letter, Cartosio wrote again to Villa asking him to arrange, with his company SAIAM, the transport of two HD cameras to Fiume. In a subsequent letter dated 22 October 1920, Cartosio introduced Villa to the photographer Anselmo, from Milan, who already had considerable experience with various newspapers, and who was to immortalise D'Annunzio's enterprise in Fiume with his shots. The concern for an effective photographic campaign is further highlighted in a letter dated July 1920, where the need for the supply of professional photographic material (Tensi silk paper, 13x18 format) is underlined. One last document deserves mention, a letter from Federico D'Agata dated 12 July 1920, again addressed to Professor Villa, in which he thanks him with thanks. the professor's tone was decidedly emphatic regarding what he did for the Carnaro, the lineage and the winged victory of Italy!