I would like to know when and why, messages written on bombs appeared for the first time. In particular if only US crew members used it during the operations in war.
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You should provide references for messages painted on bombs, especially the oldest you can found.– Manu HCommented Mar 26, 2018 at 11:53
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People do things for a variety of reasons; are you asking for the first known example of a message being written on a bomb, or a weapon?– KorvinStarmastCommented Mar 26, 2018 at 12:36
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1@Carlo, would you like to make this question more Aviation specific? Or would you like it to be moved to History.SE?– FedericoCommented Mar 26, 2018 at 14:11
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Im looking for some more informations about first apparence of this type of writings on airplane bombs.... thank you!– Carlo NavaCommented Mar 26, 2018 at 14:17
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1Please edit your question, do not post this information in the comments.– FedericoCommented Mar 26, 2018 at 14:33
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1 Answer
This was done since ancient times, and the practice simply carried on.
The Romans used to put witty little insults onto sling-stones, to add some extra bite when used against the enemy.
Some of these jokes were innocuous
Be lodged well
For Pompey’s Backside
And some were more explicit.
I saw a TV programme where the presenter translated a few choice insults.
But basically, this sending of messages to the enemy has always happened. Soldiers get bored of sharpening swords, so let their imagination run riot in the interests of boosting morale by making up ruder jokes than your compatriots.
In terms of messages on plane-borne munitions, then it's going to be shortly after plane-borne munitions were first deployed....
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1This one or one similar to it. It was definitely Mary Beard though.– user22859Commented Mar 26, 2018 at 13:51
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1And her book, SQPR - "Many readers will find pictures of objects such as a rusting Roman gynaecological speculum, a graffito showing Spartacus in the arena, and lead sling bullets inscribed with messages such as “I’m going for Madam Octavius’ arsehole” (from Octavian’s siege of Perusia in 41-40 BC) fascinating on their own account"– user22859Commented Mar 26, 2018 at 13:54