Through a tragic coincidence intended by neither of the opposing sides in World War II, Bari gained the unwelcome distinction of being the only European city to experience chemical warfare in the course of that war.On the night of December 2, 1943, German Junkers Ju 88 bombers attacked the port of Bari, which was a key supply centre for Allied forces fighting their way up the Italian Peninsula. Several Allied ships were sunk in the overcrowded harbour, including the U.S. Liberty ship John Harvey, which was carrying mustard gas; mustard gas was also reported to have been stacked on the quayside awaiting transport. The chemical agent was intended for use if German forces initiated chemical warfare. The presence of the gas was highly classified, and authorities ashore had no knowledge of it. This increased the number of fatalities, since physicians-who had no idea that they were dealing with the effects of mustard gas-prescribed treatment proper for those suffering from exposure and immersion, which proved fatal in many cases. Because rescuers were unaware they were dealing with gas casualties, many additional casualties were caused among the rescuers through contact with the contaminated skin and clothing of those more directly exposed to the gas.

Disaster at Bari

Glenn B. Infield

Macmillan

Eva and Adolf: Eva Braun and Adolf Hitler

Biographies & Memoirs

Leaders & Notable People

New English Library Ltd.

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Books by Glenn B. Infield

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Glenn B. Infield. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Disaster at Bari

Eva and Adolf: Eva Braun and Adolf Hitler