Palermo, July 1943. An image of heavy damages caused by strong bombardments of Allies from 1943 to Summer 1943 to capital of Sicily. With its important harbor, point of departure and terminal of maritime traffics from Italy to North Africa and vice versa, Palermo was an important strategic target in particular during the preparation of Allied invasion of Sicily (Bundesarchiv 1603 Bild-208). Victor Sierra

Palermo bombed

Late 1941 - early 1942. Poles, ex GULAG prisoners queing to join General Anders' Polish Army.

In the Soviet Union

Hungry civilians of Catania scramble for rations being doled out by an RAF airman following the occupation of the city by the Allies on 5 August 1943. Victor Sierra