21 March 1945. 1530 hours. 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 audacio