Megaboom

Vesuvius Day marks the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on 24th August 79AD, destroying Pompeiiand most of its population; but did you know that it erupted as recently as 1944?

Now fair play, that may seem a while ago, back during the Second World War, but there will be many locals who remember it, not to mention countless others across the globe. Lava flows were visible between the 18^th and 23^rd March and could clearly be seen from Naples, about 12 miles away. Also, the United States Army Air Force 340^th Bombardment Group was based at Pompeii Airfield, and they lost around 80 aircraft due to extreme damage from hot ash.

Amazingly, the cataclysmic act of nature was caught on film and can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bsmv6PyKs0