Rome, Summer 1944: Allied servicemen, perhaps of British Forces, crossing the main entrance of Saint Peter for a visit to Basilica while others are sitting on the steps and another person reading one journal. The two British are in shorts: clothing today strictly prohibited by Vatican authorities like is prohibited sitting on the steps. Victor Sierra

Military tourists

The Saint Peter's Basilica was a classic view from above for the Allied crew overflying Rome. This very clear photo, showing also a part of the Vatican’s gardens, was taken by the crew of an USAAF’s A-20 of the 47th Bombardment Group, Summer 1944. Note a particular: the aircraft isn’t on the vertical of the Basilica and the Vatican, but is on the edge of the border between the Vatican City State and the Italian State as fixed by Lateran Pacts of 1929. During the war the Vatican’s overfly was strictly prohibited. And also today the Vatican is a no-fly zone. Victor Sierra

Saint Peter from above

Max Schmeling and wife,Ondra with Adolph Hitler in 1936. Schmeling had defeated Joe Louis that year in their first fight.