Air raid on Bari

World War II air raid on Bari, Italy

The air raid on Bari was a significant World War II event that took place on the night of 2 December 1943. The attack was carried out by the Luftwaffe, the aerial warfare branch of the German military, against the Allied forces stationed in the port city of Bari, Italy. This raid is often referred to as the "Little Pearl Harbor" due to the surprise and devastation it caused.

Background

An aerial view of the port of Bari during the attack

Bari, located on the Adriatic Sea, was a crucial supply port for the Allied forces following the successful Allied invasion of Italy. By late 1943, the port was bustling with military and supply ships, making it a strategic target for the German forces seeking to disrupt Allied operations in the Mediterranean.

The Attack

On the evening of 2 December 1943, a force of 105 Junkers Ju 88 bombers from the Luftwaffe's II. Fliegerkorps launched a surprise attack on Bari. The raid was meticulously planned to coincide with a full moon, providing the bombers with optimal visibility.

The attack began at approximately 19:25, catching the Allied forces off guard. The bombers dropped their payloads over the harbor, targeting the densely packed ships and port facilities. The raid lasted for about an hour, during which time numerous ships were hit and set ablaze.

Consequences

Ships burning in the harbor following the attack

The air raid resulted in the destruction of 17 Allied ships and significant damage to the port infrastructure. One of the most devastating aspects of the attack was the release of mustard gas from the American Liberty ship SS John Harvey, which was carrying a secret cargo of chemical weapons intended for retaliatory use if the Germans resorted to chemical warfare.

The presence of mustard gas was not immediately known, leading to numerous casualties among military personnel and civilians who were exposed to the toxic agent. The gas caused severe chemical burns and respiratory issues, complicating the medical response to the disaster.

Aftermath

The attack on Bari had far-reaching implications. It exposed the vulnerability of Allied supply lines and highlighted the need for improved air defense measures. The incident also led to a reevaluation of the storage and transportation of chemical weapons by the Allies.

The secrecy surrounding the mustard gas incident was maintained for many years, with the full details only becoming public decades later. The event remains a poignant reminder of the complexities and unforeseen consequences of warfare.

Related pages

• World War II
• Luftwaffe
• Allied invasion of Italy
• Chemical warfare