Operation Bowler by Jonathan Glancey

Operation Bowler by Jonathan Glancey

21 March 1945. 1530 hours. Dozens of Allied fighters and bombers sweep over German-occupied Venice.

Their mission – destroy Germany’s strategic outposts nestled along the port, while leaving the floating city unscathed.

As bombs rained down upon Europe, flattening city after city, Venice – La Serenissima; home of Titian and Veronese; immortalised in the serene landscapes of Canaletto – remained sacrosanct. Its artistic and architectural treasure too considerable, too precious to risk destruction.

But, as the push up through Italy reached its final, gruelling months, the Allies were confronted with a terrible dilemma. The ancient city of Venice was now closer and closer to the line of fire. As casualties mounted, the value of art, of history seemed diminished – just a month earlier Allied bombers had reduced the ancient hilltop abbey of Monte Cassino to a stony husk.

In a gripping tale, bestselling author Jonathan Glancey reveals the thrilling history of ‘Operation Bowler’. Joining audacious Wing Commander George Westlake DFC and his elite team, Operation Bowler explores how an unlikely squad of pilots executed one of the most meticulous and complex air raids of the Second World War, sparing not only Venice, but its people.

'Full of fascinating detail on the project..this book will be of interest to those with a passion for Venice, or who are concerned by the effect of conflict on the world’s heritage.' —Telegraph

‘Hugely entertaining, Spitfire is told with the passion and style that this most iconic of aircraft deserves.’ —James Holland on Spitfire

'Stylishly written and entertainingly told, Spitfire is a real treasure-trove… A wonderful book.’ —Rowland White on Spitfire

‘Elegant and meticulously researched… an authoritative and comprehensive tribute to a unique aircraft.’ —Spectator on Spitfire

‘A drama that cannot help take wing. The elements will excite the imagination and raise the heart.’ —Sunday Telegraph on Spitfire

Jonathan Glancey is a journalist, author and broadcaster. Having previously worked for the Guardian and Independent, he now writes for the Daily Telegraph. He is the author of Spitfire: The Biography and Concorde.