Mustard Gas

On the night of December 2nd 1943 the largest ever accident involving this gas ocurred. In the port of Bari Italy a US merchant ship the USS John Harvey had berthed, during the night the Germans carried out a heavy bombing raid over the town. Some seventeen ships were totally destroyed ,among them the USS John Harvey was hit. What was unknown by most people at the time was that this ship was carrying over one hundred tonnes of 100lb mustard bombs. All weapons were blown apart spreading liquid mustard gas across the harbour. Today there are still areas within the UK contaminated by this gas. Every year specialists check and attempt a clear up.

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