Humpday History Highlight
By Wyatt Earp | April 28, 2010
April 28, 1945 – Benito Mussolini Shot
On this day in 1945, “Il Duce,” Benito Mussolini, and his mistress, Clara Petacci, are shot by Italian partisans who had captured the couple as they attempted to flee to Switzerland.
As the Allies fought their way up the Italian peninsula, defeat of the Axis powers all but certain, Mussolini considered his options. Not wanting to fall into the hands of either the British or the Americans, and knowing that the communist partisans, who had been fighting the remnants of roving Italian fascist soldiers and thugs in the north, would try him as a war criminal, he settled on escape to a neutral country.
He and his mistress made it to the Swiss border, only to discover that the guards had crossed over to the partisan side. Knowing they would not let him pass, he disguised himself in a Luftwaffe coat and helmet, hoping to slip into Austria with some German soldiers. His subterfuge proved incompetent, and he and Petacci were discovered by partisans and shot, their bodies then transported by truck to Milan, where they were hung upside down and displayed publicly for revilement by the masses.
And that – the Mussolini hanging – is one of the coolest, and most gruesome, photos I have ever seen. Hmm, I guess the fact that I think that is cool says a lot about my mental health.
Topics: HHH | 18 Comments »
April 28th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
I guess it says something about both of us. When I saw that photo years ago, all I could think of was, “Sic semper tyrannis.” (pardon my spelling if I goofed.)
April 28th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Don’t get the people mad at you…….
All pols should remember this………..
God Save US…………………
April 28th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Robert B – I think you got it.
LDIV – Hear that, Pelosi???
April 28th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
So: is it true that Philadelphia PD is no longer responding to non-injury traffic collisions?
http://cbs3.com/local/Philadelphia.Police.Officers.2.1660475.html
BZ
April 28th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
BZ – Yup. Now instead of 150 phone calls a day, the districts will receive 250 calls a day. Good idea, Commissioner! Ramsey is doing everything he can to turn Philly into the Chicago PD, and we all know how great that department is! /snark
April 28th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Now now Wyatt. We in Chiraq, nee Chicago got rid of Ramsey. Now we have a COWARD….J-Fled the fed, who runs away from the sound of gunfire with his bodyguards, yes I said bodyguards. You Philly guys & gals (who I consider the REAL Police) are being led by a guy who at least in the past worked the street. Don’t think I like any supervisors (in Chicago they are considered Exempt Members) because 99% of them are clouted political animals who sold their souls to the Chicago Machine. So yes be glad you’re not in Chiraq, but know this: Most major cities are very very close to following the Chiraq model.
The best thing I can say is retirement is wonderful and I pray for everyone still working, whether in Chicago, Philly, N.Y. or any other place where the police are.
Come out to Vegas, you’re all welcome here.
God Bless the PPD…….
God Save the CPD……
St. Michael watch over your Warriors……..
God Save US……………
Oh yeah I can’t remember when a CPD copper responded to a TA that did not involve PI or an unmoveable vehicle.
April 28th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Oh yeah, thanks for letting me rant away……Now it’s time for some Jameson and more relaxation…….
April 28th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Loaded Dice In Las Vegas:
Hey, at least your FIRE DEPARTMENTS are rated as ISO 1 because, of course, MONEY TALKS.
And, of course, law enforcement can go straight nach holle!
BZ
April 28th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Anybody in LE is already in Hell. We’re all going straight to heaven……
April 28th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Where’s his teleprompter?
April 28th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
More humpday history Thursday April 28th 1881 Billy the Kid shoots his way out of captivity in Old Lincoln New Mexico, killing sheriffs deputies Robert Olinger and James W Bell.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:33 am
That was in the days where direct action was taken… NO PC crap…
April 29th, 2010 at 6:10 am
One thing you got to give to the Italians- great taste in footwear. Love those boots.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:34 am
The first know pejorative use of the visual expression “Talk to the hand”.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:34 am
LDIV – The weird part is that I have been off the street for almost five years – thanks to the promotion – and pretty soon, I won’t recognize any patrol policies anymore.
BZ – In Philly, we’re the red-headed stepchildren. Firefighters are not much better in the eyes of the mayor.
Proof – It must be way off to the side.
FJ – Wow, I can’t believe I missed that one!
Old NFO – And those days are gone forever.
Mrs. Crankipants – Yeah, put a gal in those, and they will get my undivided attention.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Jon – Or “Stop, in the name of love.”
April 29th, 2010 at 8:51 am
Another case of a small guy 5’6″ trying to compensate for his “short comings” and getting his just desserts.
April 30th, 2010 at 4:44 am
He chose….poorly.