One of the last SM.79s, converted to transport aircraft with armament removed, of Italian Air Force, perhaps at Guidonia Airport, near Rome, 1950. Note in background one of the first P-51D Mustangs of Aeronautica Militare, new name of Italian Air Force after the birth of the Italian Republic (and still in use). The gentleman at the center of the photo is the Secretary for Defence of Italian Government, Randolfo Pacciardi, with, left on the photo, the Chief of Staff Italian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mario Ajmone Cat, and, right on the photo, the Deputy Chief of Staff Air Unit Command and future Aeronautica Militare’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Duilio Fanali. After some time the last SM.79s, were phased out and scrapped. Victor Sierra

Last days of a glorious airplane

One characteristic of anthrax is that its bacilli - in endospore form - is very long-lived.  Advice to Churchill in 1944 suggested that the potential of the anthrax bomb was so great that it must be used on Germany; and that extensive use could make German cities uninhabitable for up to 30 years.  On this advice, Churchill ordered his commanders to order the manufacture of 500,000 which, apparently, would have been done in the US.  Fortunately, these bombs (if manufactured) never had to be used.

Meanwhile, closer to home, anthrax pollution was causing problems.  Initial efforts to decontaminate Gruinard Island failed owing to the robust quality of the bacillus and its endospores.  Worse, anthrax endospores spread to the contiguous mainland, causing repeated anthrax outbreaks among livestock.  Eventually, (since 2000) following a public scandal, the island was (it is alleged) effectively decontaminated by the administration of huge doses of formaldehyde (embalming fluid), itself a deadly poison, and the warning signs were removed.  Today, the island is deemed safe.  For myself, I shall not be going to the area on my holidays any time soon.  Many sheep died for their country on that island, and they are still buried there.  Anthrax is, as I have remarked, a very persistent pestilence ...  JR.

Anthrax Island today.

U.S. General George S. Patton acknowledges the cheers of thousands during a parade through downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 9, 1945. Shortly thereafter, Patton returned to Germany and controversy, as he advocated the employment of ex-Nazis in administrative positions in Bavaria; he was relieved of command of the 3rd Army and died of injuries from a traffic accident in December, after his return home. Joe Rosenthal's famous Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph is visible on the war bonds billboard.