The rising sun was shining on Ju 87R dive bombers of ll./St.G 2 "Immelmann" parked at Trapani airfield. Their wings and fuselages, painted in irregular patches of green, blended with the surrounding olive trees.
A hut at the end of the runway was filled with people. Dive bomber crews, sitting in simple, wooden chairs, were all intently watching their squadron commander, who had already donned a yellow life vest over his flight suit.
Maj. Walter Rnneccerus stood with his head hung low, as if what he was going to say put an immense burden on him. When he finally raised his head, the room was dead silent...