In preparation of Sicily’s invasion, Summer 1943: trolleys loaded with 250-lb GP (General Purpose) bombs are driven to the flight lines of No. 223 Squadron RAF Detachment at Luqa, Malta, where their Martin Baltimore Mark IVs are being prepared for a raid on enemy positions around Catania, one of the most important strategic and tactical targets of the Sicily. Victor Sierra

Bombs for Catania

Martin Baltimores of No. 21 Squadron SAAF clear the target area as the smoke from burning oil dumps spreads across the airfield on Pantelleria, on the during the intensive air bombardment of the island by light bombers of the Desert Air Force. The massive  air offensive with the destruction of all control communications were destroyed together with many gun emplacements, ammunition stores and air-raid shelters caused the Italian garrison’s surrender just after the landing of the Allied forces. The conquest of Pantelleria, as that of Lampedusa, was the first step for the Sicily’s invasion. Victor Sierra

A massive air offensive

The Spitfire Mark VC, EF682, still in North-African camouflage scheme, of No. 43 Squadron RAF parked on the waterlogged airfield at Capodichino, Naples, following the heavy rains over Southern Italy, Autumn 1943. Other Spits are in background while beyond the airfield, on the right, the cloud-covered Vesuvius Victor Sierra.