“Goodbye” Benito Mussolini – Died 28 April 1945

Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (29 July 1883 – 28 April 1945) was an Italian politician, journalist and leader of the National Fascist Party, ruling the country from 1922 to his ousting in 1943. In 1926 Mussolini seized total power as dictator and ruled Italy as Il Duce (“the leader”) from 1930 to 1943.

On 24 July 1943, Mussolini was defeated in the vote at the Grand Council of Fascism, and the King had him arrested the following day. On 12 September 1943, Mussolini was rescued from prison in a raid by German special forces. In late April 1945, he was captured and summarily executed near LakeComo by Italian partisans. His body was then taken to Milan where it was hung upside down for public viewing.