{"product_id":"operation-bowler-the-audacious-allied-bombing-of-venice","title":"Operation Bowler: The Audacious Allied Bombing of Venice","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e21 March 1945. 1530 hours. Dozens of Allied fighters and bombers sweep over German-occupied Venice. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheir mission - destroy Germany's strategic outposts nestled along the port, while leaving the floating city unscathed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs bombs rained down upon Europe, flattening city after city, Venice - \u003cem\u003eLa Serenissima; \u003c\/em\u003ehome 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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, \u003cem\u003eOperation Bowler\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardback | 336 pages | Published March 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GARDNERS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63986245009757,"sku":"9780861549245","price":31.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3459\/8749\/files\/9780861549245.jpg?v=1774497588","url":"https:\/\/www.thebookmark.ie\/products\/operation-bowler-the-audacious-allied-bombing-of-venice","provider":"The Bookmark ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}