INTRODUCTION

Throughout history the looting of enemy property in times of war has been an accepted practice. Monuments, works of art and culturally significant objects have always been favoured targets. Not until the 20th century did a more enlightened attitude finally emerge. The most successful large-scale action to rescue and protect cultural property in the 20th century occurred during World War II. British and American fine art advisers were attached to fighting units in the Allied forces in Europe with the express objective of preserving what remained of Europe's great architectural and artistic traditions. This chapter will focus on the history and accomplishments of this extraordinary group of men and women.

INITIAL RESPONSE

In the early 1940s the occupation of Western Europe by Nazi forces led to growing concern, both in Britain and in America, over the protection of works of art and monuments located in the war zones. In the USA, numerous civilian groups were formed at centres of learning. The most prominent of these included a special committee of the American Council of Learned Societies and the American Defense–Harvard Group, which consisted of concerned faculty from Harvard University in combination with local citizenry (Smyth 1988). In response to a request from the War Department, both groups began to prepare lists of art objects and monuments requiring protection in occupied territories or in possible theatres of war.

A four-part report was produced which consisted of lists of monuments and artworks organised by country and included an explanation of the significance of the material, a brief historical outline and a short bibliography. Also included was a brief ‘first aid’ manual outlining principles and practices of safeguarding and preserving cultural material in the field as well as lists of military and civilian personnel experienced in handling cultural material (Perry 1943). This comprehensive document, which included lists for virtually all enemy-occupied countries, was all the more remarkable for the fact that it was completed within eight months by busy museum professionals and academics.