Bits and Pieces

1944

February 28: A Manchester soldier meets an American ally at the Anzio bridgehead in central Italy during World War II.

On the left is Driver Rainer of Mount Road, Gorton - we’re not sure of his first name – with Fifth Army Sergeant Bitonti of

Detroit, Michigan. They’re examining the casing of an anti-personnel device known as a Butterfly Bomb.

The Battle of Anzio began with an amphibious landing on January 22, 1944, (known as Operation Shingle) and ended with the capture of Rome on June 5, 1944.

1971

February 27: Fans queued for hours outside the Free Trade Hall for tickets to see the Rolling Stones play Manchester on March 5.

The group gave two shows on the day as part of their three-week UK tour. The line-up was Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richard on lead guitar, Mick Taylor on guitar, Bill Wyman on bass and Charlie Watts on drums.

Numbers performed included Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Brown Sugar, and Honky Tonk Women. The support act was The Groundhogs.