Can anyone explain the history of this rock in ጉራዕ (Eritrea)
Posted: 11 Oct 2023, 10:28


20th century
Under the Italian protectorate, Gura was left undeveloped until Benito Mussolini began to build up the Italian military presence in preparation for the second Italian invasion of Ethiopia. Much of the former town was removed to establish a military base, which served as the main airfield for the northern front of the war.[1] As such, the base was heavily involved in the Italian use of airborne chemical weapons such as mustard gas during the conflict.
During the first months of WW2, the airfield was used by the Italians to successfully attack the British Sudan and to occupy Kassala.
Once captured by Allied forces during World War II's East African Campaign, it hosted a Royal Air Force (RAF) support base and an Australian field hospital. As an adjunct to the Lend-Lease Act, a secret expansion of the base —Project 19— was established with the US government.
Italian bombing mission in 1943
In 1943, two SM.75 GA aircraft undertook a bombing mission, the only one made by an SM.75, intended to destroy American bombers stored at an airbase in Gura. To reach the objective, which was over 3,000 kilometers (1,900 mi) away, the two S.75 GAs—with civil registration I-BUBA and I-TAMO, but renominated with serial numbers MM.60539 and MM.60543, respectively, for military use—were laden heavily with 11,000 kilograms (24,000 pounds) of fuel, and modified by fitting a "Jozza" bomb-aiming system and a bomb bay capable of carrying 1,200 kilograms (2,600 pounds) of bombs. The most experienced crews were selected for the mission, led by officers named Villa and Peroli.
I have never seen it before either and that is the reason of my curiosity. Nevertheless very nice art I must say and it should be preserved better and should not be left on the open. Considering erosion and other natural destruction that can happen I mean.
I wish you knew what history means. For tigrainas history is just as everything else a bargain political tool to influence the feeling or opinions of their targeted audience. Nothing more and nothing less. That should be enough response to you if you have anything else to add. My response ይርዳእካ።