This armorer of the R.A.F.'s middle east command prepares a bomb for its mission against the Italian forces campaigning in Africa. This big bomb is not yet fused, but when it is it will be ready for its deadly work. Photo taken on October 24, 1940. 

Arming the bombs

While an officer briefing crew and ground personnel in front to the camp’s tents, the Boston of No 24 Squadron SAAF, after the takeoff for a mission over the Western Desert, overflying in formation their base, Zuara, Tripolitania, Libya, March 1943. In December of the same year the No 24 Squadron was relocated to Algeria and reequipped with Marauder (Glenn Martin B-26). Transferred in Italy after the end of North African Campaign, in 1944 the Squadron was based in front to the Italian Adriatic Coast, first at Pescara and later at Jesi. Victor Sierra

Tripolitania, 1943

Two examples of Britain's war forces, a soldier in battle dress and a bearded Canadian sailor share a light at an English port, on January 14, 1941. 