Ground crew running up the engine of a Supermarine Spitfire Mark VIII of No. 92 Squadron RAF at Triolo landing ground, south of San Severo, Apulia, Southern Italy, prior to an early morning patrol. Note the airman sitting on the tailplane to hold the rear of the aircraft down during the run-up. The No 92 Squadron was at Triolo between 18 October and 22 November 1943 and so this photo was taken likely between this two dates. Coming from Malta, the No 92 Squadron moved in Sicily on July 1943 and afterward on Italy mainland where spent the rest of the WW2. Victor Sierra

Early morning in Southern Italy

Spitfire Mark IXs and VCs of No. 232 Squadron RAF undergoing servicing at Serretelle landing ground, south of Salerno, Italy, September or October 1943. In the foreground, local peasants in a bullock cart help to prepare the airfield for use by removing tree stumps from the new runway and delivering fencing posts. An image which take back to a rural world disappeared forever. Victor Sierra

Spitfire and bullock cart

North Africa, Summer 1943: a bagpipe serenade for the regimental mascot, a sheep, of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) as the regiment prepares for the invasion of Sicily. Question: in your opinion the sheep appreciating? By bye, Victor Sierra 