Operation Bowler: the audacious allied bombing of Venice - a talk with Jonathan Glancey

Join us for a free online talk from writer, journalist and Guild Companion Jonathan Glancey, on the topic of his new book.

6pm (UK time) on FRIDAY 2nd MAY 2025, on zoom

We are delighted to welcome distinguished journalist and writer Jonathan Glancey, who has kindly offered to give a free online talk for the Guild about his fascinating new book, which explores a lesser known but hugely consequential moment in Venice's history. A Zoom link for the talk will be added to this page on the day of the talk. It would be helpful if you'd let us know via email HERE if you plan to join us.

Read more about the book, which you can purchase HERE:

21st March 1945. 1530 hours. Bursting through a hazy sky, dozens of Allied fighters and bombers sweep over German-occupied Venice.

Their mission – destroy Germany’s strategic outposts nestled along the port, while leaving the floating city unscathed. As bombs rained down upon Europe, flattening city after city, Venice – La Serenissima; home of Titian and Veronese; immortalised in the serene landscapes of Canaletto – remained sacrosanct. Its artistic and architectural treasure too considerable, too precious to risk destruction.

But, as the push up through Italy reached its final, gruelling months, the Allies were confronted with a terrible dilemma. The ancient city of Venice was now closer and closer to the line of fire. As casualties mounted, the value of art, of history seemed diminished – just a month earlier Allied bombers had reduced the ancient hilltop abbey of Monte Cassino to a stony husk.

In a gripping tale, bestselling author Jonathan Glancey reveals the thrilling history of ‘Operation Bowler’. Joining audacious Wing Commander George Westlake DFC and his elite team, Operation Bowler explores how an unlikely squad of pilots executed one of the most meticulous and complex air raids of the Second World War, sparing not only Venice, but its people.