A rare photo of the bombardment of Messina, July or August 1943, from negative. Photo taken by a German soldat. From eBay. Credit Google for contemporary image of Messina. Resized to 1200 dpi to post here. Dave
Madonna della Lettera, Patron Saint of Messina, the inscription "We bless you and your city", inaugurated 13 August 1934 by Pope Pius XI. Sito Web dedicato a Maria SS. della Lettera, Patrona dei Messinesi - 80° Anniversario dell'inaugurazione della Stele della Madonna della Lettera
Could be this one - one of many, I might add: Saturday, 24 July 1943 USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO): WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighter-bombers hit barges, warships, and docks in the Messina-Milazzo area and transport NE of Mount Etna. For the others carried out by 321 Bomb Group see warwingsart.com12thairforce/3210743.html Vitellino