John Bull coming to the aid of the personification of Italy (Italia Turrita) following the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 27-28th December 1908 at Messina, Sicily, which measured 7.5 on the Richter scale and claimed 100,000-200,000 lives in all. In Messina, 91% of structures were destroyed and 70,000 residents were killed. This card was sent on 7th January 1909, showing the swift reaction by the British to send aid to help the aftermath this terrible event