The story of this operation to spirit Allied servicemen out of Italy via the Pope's ancestral home was made into a Hollywood film in the early 80s with Christopher Reeve and Gregory Peck, and typically wrote out all traces of British involvement to have the heroes being American.
This military connection probably explains why as of last night or perhaps earlier, this Victorian building was clad in blood red lighting and sported an enormous poppy above the door. You could see it from a long way off, and close up it looks extremely atmospheric. As well as highlighting the charity and remembrance event it wishes to commemorate.
It is so striking.
Si
All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 26.10.17
Fascinating stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I've read his book.
DeleteRed night, my favourite.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful... and an interesting story. Once more I learned something new visiting your blog.
ReplyDeleteTHank you I'm very flattered!
DeletePS I just signed in to my gmail and there's a message saying that my comment wasn't delivered to your email because "The email account that you tried to reach is over quota". I don't know if this is important (my comment came through to your blog) but I wanted to let you know.
DeleteVery atmospheric and so moving. Thanks Simon - that is a very interesting story.
ReplyDeleteTHank you also Robin, and all who comment upon this good ship
ReplyDelete