Us Official Photographs

B-26 formation over La Spezia

This photograph was taken a few seconds after 48 bombs from a Martin B-26 formation detonated an ammunition dump at La Spezia, 40 miles southeast of Genoa, Italy. Marauders of the U.S. Army 12th Air Force did the job. The streamer effects emanating from the explosions probably are caused by artillery shells going off. The stores in the dump are hidden in heavily constructed buildings, the sides of which are thickly revetted with dirt. Practically all bombs dropped on the target fell within the target area. Many direct hits were scored, resulting in terrific explosions and great plumes of dense, black smoke rising to heights of more than two miles. At least five ammunition store buildings were demolished.