POW Camp 52 Pian di Coreglia Chiavari
On 3rd September 1943 the Italian Government signed and Armistice with the Allies at Cassibile in Sicily. Before this date ninety-nine prisoners of war are known to have been sent directly from PG 52 to PG 73 at Fossoli (Carpi di Modena) in readiness for transfer to Stalag IV B in Germany and thence in the majority of cases to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf in Poland. Reference to this has already been made in the Documents page of this website. We can read something of these movements in a personal account and also in five Liberation Reports:
19968 Sapper Kenneth Percival WATERHOUSE
South African Engineers, motor mechanic
South African Engineers, motor mechanic
Captured by the Italians 15th June 1941 near Gazala, Sapper Waterhouse arrived in a camp at Tripoli on 27th June 1941. He left Tripoli on 13 November 1941 and arrived Palermo 9 days later. The camp would have been PG 98 Castelveltrano, which had just opened, where he was in quarantine for for 15 days. He was then sent to PG 52 Chiavari, where he was held prisoner from 11 December 1941 to 8 July 1943, when he was transferred to PG 73. He arrived there a day later in readiness for the transfer on the 21st to Stalag IVB. A month later, on 9 August, he left in a party for Lamsdorf, arriving there on the 10th.
Liberation Reports
The following five soldiers relate having been sent from PG 52 to PG 73 Fossoli in readiness for their transfer to Germany on 21 July. WO 392/21 records the presence of three of them not in PG 52 but in a previous camp, (Trooper Eric Watson and Private Harry Salt are both shown as being in PG 66 Capua, whilst Driver John Hughes is listed as being in PG 87 (Benevento). This highlights the unreliability of this document as a source for identifying the whereabouts of a serviceman. For example, nearly all the men who were transferred to Stalag IVB in the third week of July 1943 are registered as being in Italy in this document which, on the National Archives Website, is catalogued as August 1943.
913545 Gnr. George Edward YATES, 68 Regiment, Royal Artillery, had been taken prisoner at Tobruk on 21 June 1942. Initially held prisoner in PG 66 Capua, in November 1942 he was transferred to PG 52. After a period in Stalag 344 Lamsdorf he was at Ratibor, Silesia, stacking sugar bags from October '43 until February '44, after which he spent two months in Stalag 13C Hammelburg and ended the war in Poland working down a coal mine.
7906736 Cpl. William John DRISCOLL, 12 Royal Lancers, had been captured in Libya on 28 December 1941. It is not known where he was held until February 1942, but from that month until 15 July 1943 he was in PG 52. He spent three weeks in Stalag 344 Lamsdorf before being sent to the work camp at Blechhammer on 9 August, where he remained working as a fitter until 12 January 1945.
Tpr. Eric WATSON, Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons, had been captured at El Alamein on 28 October 1942. (On another page in his Liberation Report he gives the date and place of his capture as 31st October at Mersa Matruh.) He was held in PG 52 from October '42 until his transfer to Mühlberg. He was held at Blechhammer (firstly in work camp E714 and then in E3) from September 1943 until January 1945, when he set out on the Long or Death March. In his Liberation Report he remarked on the shooting of POW Arthur Russell during this march and the fact that the men had been given 'insufficient rations' by the Germans. He left Moosburg on 29 April 1945.
T/164260 Dvr. John Laurence HUGHES, 307 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, attached to 1 Armoured Brigade, was captured at Gambut on 18 June 1942. He spent the period from 20 October '42 to 15 July '43 in PG 52, and from 26 July until 7 August in Stalag IVB before being sent to Lamsdorf on the 10th. He remained there until he was transferred to a work camp at Heydebreck in Upper Silesia on 24 March 1944. On 22 January he left the work camp, presumably on the Long March. His Liberation Report was dated 30 April 1945.
4391120 Pte Harry Edward SALTER, Green Howards, was captured in Libya on 25 May 1942. On July 22 he arrived at PG 66 Capua and left there for PG 52 on 27 September, arriving the following day. He records being held in Stalag IVB between 7-28 August 1943. There followed a five month period in Blechhammer E3, which he left on 21 January. Between 4 and 29 April he was in Stalag VIIB Moosburg.
913545 Gnr. George Edward YATES, 68 Regiment, Royal Artillery, had been taken prisoner at Tobruk on 21 June 1942. Initially held prisoner in PG 66 Capua, in November 1942 he was transferred to PG 52. After a period in Stalag 344 Lamsdorf he was at Ratibor, Silesia, stacking sugar bags from October '43 until February '44, after which he spent two months in Stalag 13C Hammelburg and ended the war in Poland working down a coal mine.
7906736 Cpl. William John DRISCOLL, 12 Royal Lancers, had been captured in Libya on 28 December 1941. It is not known where he was held until February 1942, but from that month until 15 July 1943 he was in PG 52. He spent three weeks in Stalag 344 Lamsdorf before being sent to the work camp at Blechhammer on 9 August, where he remained working as a fitter until 12 January 1945.
Tpr. Eric WATSON, Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons, had been captured at El Alamein on 28 October 1942. (On another page in his Liberation Report he gives the date and place of his capture as 31st October at Mersa Matruh.) He was held in PG 52 from October '42 until his transfer to Mühlberg. He was held at Blechhammer (firstly in work camp E714 and then in E3) from September 1943 until January 1945, when he set out on the Long or Death March. In his Liberation Report he remarked on the shooting of POW Arthur Russell during this march and the fact that the men had been given 'insufficient rations' by the Germans. He left Moosburg on 29 April 1945.
T/164260 Dvr. John Laurence HUGHES, 307 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, attached to 1 Armoured Brigade, was captured at Gambut on 18 June 1942. He spent the period from 20 October '42 to 15 July '43 in PG 52, and from 26 July until 7 August in Stalag IVB before being sent to Lamsdorf on the 10th. He remained there until he was transferred to a work camp at Heydebreck in Upper Silesia on 24 March 1944. On 22 January he left the work camp, presumably on the Long March. His Liberation Report was dated 30 April 1945.
4391120 Pte Harry Edward SALTER, Green Howards, was captured in Libya on 25 May 1942. On July 22 he arrived at PG 66 Capua and left there for PG 52 on 27 September, arriving the following day. He records being held in Stalag IVB between 7-28 August 1943. There followed a five month period in Blechhammer E3, which he left on 21 January. Between 4 and 29 April he was in Stalag VIIB Moosburg.
8 SEPTEMBER 1943
111247 Bdr. Ronald Philip Abercromby MYBURGH
2 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, SA Artillery
2 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, SA Artillery
It was now early September 1943 and there were daily air raid alarms and at night we could hear bombs falling on Genoa. One happy day we actually saw 100 Flying Fortress bombers of the USAAF fly over. Our troops were slowly advancing up Italy and we heard amazing rumours each day, most of which proved groundless when we had our evening secret news reading in each hut from our clandestine radio which tuned to the BBC.
We all expected Italy to collapse soon, but had received secret instructions from the War Office to remain in our camps when this happened. We learnt afterwards that on 3rd September an Armistice had been signed, although the surrender took place only on 8 September. Our troops made an amphibious landing at Salerno on the 9th and soon joined with our forces advancing from the south. On the 10th the Italian fleet surrendered at Malta at but the Germans occupied Rome that day and started moving troops southwards.
On the 8 September we heard the joyful news that Italy was out of the war and we were quite delirious with happiness and our bands played music until late at night while most of us just talked about going home and what we would eat and do back home.
We all expected Italy to collapse soon, but had received secret instructions from the War Office to remain in our camps when this happened. We learnt afterwards that on 3rd September an Armistice had been signed, although the surrender took place only on 8 September. Our troops made an amphibious landing at Salerno on the 9th and soon joined with our forces advancing from the south. On the 10th the Italian fleet surrendered at Malta at but the Germans occupied Rome that day and started moving troops southwards.
On the 8 September we heard the joyful news that Italy was out of the war and we were quite delirious with happiness and our bands played music until late at night while most of us just talked about going home and what we would eat and do back home.
407550 Sgt. Samuel SLACK
Indian Army Corps of Clerks
Indian Army Corps of Clerks
Sept. 8 ARMISTICE. Speech by the Commandant - double sentries posted outside - Picket of British Sgts. Inside - Prisoners
warned by RSM Shimmin RASC that all attempts to escape or escapes would be treated as desertion and would be
tried by DCM (court martial) after the War or repatriation.
warned by RSM Shimmin RASC that all attempts to escape or escapes would be treated as desertion and would be
tried by DCM (court martial) after the War or repatriation.
2656614 Sgt. William Hunter STRACHAN Coldstream Guards
On the Armistice being signed in September 1943 Colonel Taddei informed the camp leader SSM Shimmins that he would protect the prisoners of war from the Germans providing the camp leader ordered everyone not to try and escape under the threat of Court Martial in England. The Camp Leader accepted this and and gave the order. Italian camp sentries were doubled and the Camp Leader detailed two South African Police patrols inside the wire.
The following day...
The Germans arrived at the camp and their Commander sent the above note to Colonel Castelli-Taddei. Translated, it says:
Italy has, from 3rd September onwards, broken its alliance with Germany. I advise you that you must :
1) hand over all your weapons within ten minutes without putting up any resistance
2) hand over all vehicles and other military materials
If you do not implement the contents of this order you will be immediately attacked. Our artillery has already taken up firing positions.
Italy has, from 3rd September onwards, broken its alliance with Germany. I advise you that you must :
1) hand over all your weapons within ten minutes without putting up any resistance
2) hand over all vehicles and other military materials
If you do not implement the contents of this order you will be immediately attacked. Our artillery has already taken up firing positions.
Col. CASTELLI-TADDEI said:
On the 17/18 September 1943, all British POWs were removed from the Camp. During the period 8 Sept '43 to 18 Sept '43 numerous prisoners escaped from the Camp, and I assisted them with food, clothing and necessities. I left the CHIAVARI area in company with the Partisans on 5 July 1944.
On the 17/18 September 1943, all British POWs were removed from the Camp. During the period 8 Sept '43 to 18 Sept '43 numerous prisoners escaped from the Camp, and I assisted them with food, clothing and necessities. I left the CHIAVARI area in company with the Partisans on 5 July 1944.
Sgt. STRACHAN said:
The next morning the Germans arrived and took over the Camp without any resistance from Colonel Taddei or his guards. The Carabinieri prevented a a number of prisoners escaping before the Germans took up their positions. The same day I escaped into the hills by getting through the wire.
1st Lt. ALESSANDRO PRAT, Italian Army, Transport Officer PG 52 testified that:
When the Armistice between the Allies and Italy was declared, all the officers in the camp were in favour of releasing the Prisoners of War, but Colonel CASTELLI-TADDEI was against this, and in consequence only a few prisoners were able to effect an escape. Later Colonel Taddei handed the camp and the prisoners over to the Germans.
The next morning the Germans arrived and took over the Camp without any resistance from Colonel Taddei or his guards. The Carabinieri prevented a a number of prisoners escaping before the Germans took up their positions. The same day I escaped into the hills by getting through the wire.
1st Lt. ALESSANDRO PRAT, Italian Army, Transport Officer PG 52 testified that:
When the Armistice between the Allies and Italy was declared, all the officers in the camp were in favour of releasing the Prisoners of War, but Colonel CASTELLI-TADDEI was against this, and in consequence only a few prisoners were able to effect an escape. Later Colonel Taddei handed the camp and the prisoners over to the Germans.
111247 Bdr. Ronald Philip Abercomby MYBURGH, 2 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, SA Artillery said that:
The following day disaster struck and our dreams lay in ruins; a more demoralizing blow than even being taken prisoner on the first occasion – German troops surrounded the camp. Youngsters of the Hermann Goering Division disarmed and chased away all the Italians and mounted extra machine guns round the camp. During the night there were two rifle shots and two of our fellows were wounded as they lay in bed. ( See War Crimes page. Author's note) Our new guards were obviously trigger-happy and although our two casualties were taken to a hospital in Chiavari fairly promptly, we did not sleep very easily the next night.
The following day disaster struck and our dreams lay in ruins; a more demoralizing blow than even being taken prisoner on the first occasion – German troops surrounded the camp. Youngsters of the Hermann Goering Division disarmed and chased away all the Italians and mounted extra machine guns round the camp. During the night there were two rifle shots and two of our fellows were wounded as they lay in bed. ( See War Crimes page. Author's note) Our new guards were obviously trigger-happy and although our two casualties were taken to a hospital in Chiavari fairly promptly, we did not sleep very easily the next night.
407550 Sgt. Samuel SLACK Indian Army Corps of Clerks wrote in his debriefing report that:
Sept 9 1200 hrs Germans take over the camp. 2030 hrs eleven escape.
Sept 10 Destruction of Camp property by prisoners strong Anti-Shimmin atmosphere in Camp.
Sept 11 Destruction of Camp Orchestra and Library
Sept 12 1300 men leave for Germany.
Sept 13 1300 men including myself leave for Germany.
Sept 9 1200 hrs Germans take over the camp. 2030 hrs eleven escape.
Sept 10 Destruction of Camp property by prisoners strong Anti-Shimmin atmosphere in Camp.
Sept 11 Destruction of Camp Orchestra and Library
Sept 12 1300 men leave for Germany.
Sept 13 1300 men including myself leave for Germany.
ON THE WAY TO THE FATHERLAND
15 SEPTEMBER 1943
15 SEPTEMBER 1943
111247 Bdr. Ronald Philip Abercromby MYBURGH
2 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, SA Artillery
2 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, SA Artillery
With typical German thoroughness rations were found for us and the remaining small stock of Red Cross parcels distributed. Over the next three days a third of us were marched down to the station and loaded on to long trains of cattle trucks each day. On the road to the station a few fellows escaped but one was shot dead; most escapees were recaptured and joined us in Germany later.
The Italian civilians lining parts of the road were openly sympathetic towards us, passing us bunches of grapes when the guards were not looking. On a siding adjacent to that of our train was a cattle truck train of Italian soldiers whom Jerry had taken prisoner, too. Our Air Force had nearly hit the railway bridge at Trento and had succeeded in damaging that at Bolzano (both in the Tyrol, north-eastern Italy region) so that all northbound trains had to wait an additional day in sidings while repairs were effected.
The Italian civilians lining parts of the road were openly sympathetic towards us, passing us bunches of grapes when the guards were not looking. On a siding adjacent to that of our train was a cattle truck train of Italian soldiers whom Jerry had taken prisoner, too. Our Air Force had nearly hit the railway bridge at Trento and had succeeded in damaging that at Bolzano (both in the Tyrol, north-eastern Italy region) so that all northbound trains had to wait an additional day in sidings while repairs were effected.
ESCAPES
From the camp or during the march to the station
From the camp or during the march to the station
The Comune of Coreglia Ligure has publicised the following paragraph on its website:
On 8 September, 1943 the German army occupied the site. During a hectic day a handful of Nazi military issued an ultimatum imposing the surrender of the Italian garrison on duty at the camp. The Germans then organized the subsequent deportation of the 3195 servicemen resident at that time. They were marched along the main road towards Chiavari; during the March some British soldiers manage to sneak away into to the mountains where they joined the early partisan formations.
On 8 September, 1943 the German army occupied the site. During a hectic day a handful of Nazi military issued an ultimatum imposing the surrender of the Italian garrison on duty at the camp. The Germans then organized the subsequent deportation of the 3195 servicemen resident at that time. They were marched along the main road towards Chiavari; during the March some British soldiers manage to sneak away into to the mountains where they joined the early partisan formations.
78636 Pte. Johannes Petrus DROTSKY
2 Transvaal Scottish
2 Transvaal Scottish
Captured and wounded in N. Africa at Sidi Rezegh on 23 November 1941, Pte. DROTSKY was being held in PG 66 on 14 February 1942. He was sent to PG 52 on 20 October of that year. There is a note in his own handwriting on his Service Record that he was with the partisans between 11 October 1943 and 30 August 1944. He was picked up by the Allies on 9 September 1944 and sent to Egypt, arriving there on 15 September for repatriation to South Africa.
His granddaughter wrote:
He was sent to a POW camp close to or in a Italian village Rossa, (probably ROSTIO, not far from Coreglia Ligure. Author's note) I know that when he was living in Italy he came back loving boiled beans with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil - maybe that is a speciality food in a certain region...
His granddaughter wrote:
He was sent to a POW camp close to or in a Italian village Rossa, (probably ROSTIO, not far from Coreglia Ligure. Author's note) I know that when he was living in Italy he came back loving boiled beans with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil - maybe that is a speciality food in a certain region...
40823 Pte. J.S. KENNARD-DAVIS M.M.
24 Battalion 2 New Zealand Expeditionary Force
24 Battalion 2 New Zealand Expeditionary Force
One of the half dozen or so New Zealanders who were still at Campo PG 52 at the time of the armistice, he jumped into a ditch unnoticed while being marched to Chiavari station. With a companion he made his way over the hills to Genoa and along the Riviera to Nice. There he made contact with an underground organisation, which made arrangements for him to go to France and so to Spain. In mid-February 1944 his party crossed the Pyrenees in deep snow and blizzards, and he eventually reached Barcelona and Gibraltar.
His companion may well have been 109118 Gnr. H E Unger, 2 AA Regiment, SA Artillery, Union Defence Force who, according to the National Archives' description of his Escape and Evasion Report (WO 208/3319/1890) escaped from Campo 52, Chiavari, Italy, via France to Spain.
His companion may well have been 109118 Gnr. H E Unger, 2 AA Regiment, SA Artillery, Union Defence Force who, according to the National Archives' description of his Escape and Evasion Report (WO 208/3319/1890) escaped from Campo 52, Chiavari, Italy, via France to Spain.
40011 Pte. Coenraad Willem Frederik 'Raadje' STOLZ
2 Botha Regiment SA Artillery
2 Botha Regiment SA Artillery
His grandson says:
What happened to him after September '43 until his arrival in England in 1945 is unclear. Some family legend says he escaped and with a few friends, hid in the countryside until meeting up with some advancing Allied soldiers. I could however, not find any proof of this. Perhaps somebody out there has more information on this period.
What happened to him after September '43 until his arrival in England in 1945 is unclear. Some family legend says he escaped and with a few friends, hid in the countryside until meeting up with some advancing Allied soldiers. I could however, not find any proof of this. Perhaps somebody out there has more information on this period.
ESCAPES FROM THE TRAIN
3957688 Sgt. Evan Llewellyn EDWARDS
The Welch Regiment
The Welch Regiment
Sgt. Edwards said:
On 15th September 1943 after the capitulation of Italy, the German forces took control of PG 52, where I was a prisoner of war. The men in the camp were put into barrack groups and a number of groups were detailed to move by rail to Germany. The first groups, all non-commissioned officers, were marched down to CHIAVARI station, packed into rail wagons and were soon on our way to Germany. At about 2am, on the morning of the 16th, three of us decided to jump the train and I was the first through the small window. We got off without mishap at a point a few miles north of CREMONA, my companions were F/Sergeant McNeil and Sergeant Irvine R.A.F. We walked to MANTOVA and MODENA swimming the River PO, at one point.
Sgt. Edwards was later recaptured near Terni, sent to Perugia gaol and from there to DACHAU Concentraton Camp. See my book 'The Long Trail Home', Lulu.com
On 15th September 1943 after the capitulation of Italy, the German forces took control of PG 52, where I was a prisoner of war. The men in the camp were put into barrack groups and a number of groups were detailed to move by rail to Germany. The first groups, all non-commissioned officers, were marched down to CHIAVARI station, packed into rail wagons and were soon on our way to Germany. At about 2am, on the morning of the 16th, three of us decided to jump the train and I was the first through the small window. We got off without mishap at a point a few miles north of CREMONA, my companions were F/Sergeant McNeil and Sergeant Irvine R.A.F. We walked to MANTOVA and MODENA swimming the River PO, at one point.
Sgt. Edwards was later recaptured near Terni, sent to Perugia gaol and from there to DACHAU Concentraton Camp. See my book 'The Long Trail Home', Lulu.com
1870836 S/Sgt. Philip James GRIMMER
Royal Engineers
Royal Engineers
Citation for Mentioned in Dispatches The National Archives WO 363/63/138
5046955 Sgt. Jack KNOWLES
Royal Artillery
Royal Artillery
Citation for the MM The National Archives WO 363 /63/136
835312 Gnr. William CULLEN
Royal Artillery
Royal Artillery
Citation for the MM The National Archives WO 363 /63/136
7906218 Tpr. Victor Kensett STYLES MID
4 County of London Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
4 County of London Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
As a result of his capture at El Mechili on 8 April 19 41, STYLES was, at the time of the Italian Armistice, a POW in Camp 52 (CHIAVARI). Obeying the instructions of the Senior British NCO he did not try to escape until the Germans had occupied the camp. On 13 September 43, during transfer to Germany, he and two commandos jumped from the cattle truck near Caorso, through a hole they had made in the floor. With various companions, and occasionally alone, STYLES travelled to La Meta, (place not identifiable from this spelling) where he was recaptured on 1 December 1943. Three nights later he and another prisoner used a blanket rope to leave their temporary prison, which was inadequately guarded. To avoid suspicion they followed various herds of cattle being driven towards the hills, and in this manner STYLES reached Castella fiume (place not identifiable from this spelling, but possibly Castelfiumanese). Early in April 44, he decided to try to reach France; at Pietralunga, however, he joined a partisan group, but after a week's service this was dispersed by the enemy. At the beginning of June 1944, STYLES accompanied a guerilla unit in two raids on Fascist militia posts near Monte Fiomino (Montefiorino). Transferring to a more efficient group, he remained an active member until the band was attacked for the second time by Germans at the end of July 1944. He then became attached to a British group, and after participating in sorties against German transport, STYLES was guided with other escapers to an American unit near Augsima (place not identifiable from this spelling) at the end of November 44.
(National Archives Citation for an award)
(National Archives Citation for an award)
D/SSX.28017 A/B James Frederick WILDE
HM Submarine 'Sahib'
HM Submarine 'Sahib'
A/B WILDE was taken prisoner when Sahib sank off Sicily on 24 April 1943. Initially imprisoned in Camp no.1 Marina at Manziana near Lake Bracciano to the north of Rome, in June he and other crew members from Sahib, together with the surviving ratings from Splendid, were sent to Germany for interrogation in the Dulag attached to Marlag und Milag Nord. What happened next is told by C.E.T. Warren and James Benson in their book The Broken Column, published by The Adventurers' Club London in 1966:
On July 21st Wilde was on the move yet again - happily, back to Italy. With a mixed naval contingent, including other submariners from Sahib, he was transferred to Camp PG 52 outside La Spezia, the port between Genoa and Pisa. They arrived there on August 1st, and life was certainly more relaxed and humane than it had been in Germany. If the food was poor, at least Wilde could pass the time boxing and playing football, and with informal Italian lessons from the guards.
On September 3rd the prisoners heard that the Allies had invaded Italy; then, on September 8th, it was announced that Marshal Badoglio, the Italian Prime Minister, had signed an armistice. There was wild jubilation among both prisoners and guards. From the former's point of view, all they had to do now was sit and wait until the army came. But it was the German army that arrived in the cold grey of the next day's dawn.
They were to be entrained back to Germany, but not from La Spezia. They had to make a forty-mile (fourteen-mile, Author's note) march to the seaside resort of Chiavari, south of Rapallo, and catch a train from there. On the march Wilde found himself alongside Leading Seaman Davis of Sahib, and by the time they reached Chiavari both were agreed in one thing: they would escape from the train before it reached the Italian border.
At first prospects seemed remote. Their transport consisted of cattle trucks, and when each received its quota of thirty men the doors were slammed shut and a stout metal bar secured horizontally across the outside. Wilde and Davis managed to keep together. They squatted side by side in the dark, smelly truck, the only source of light and air being four narrow windows five feet from the floor, one in each corner of the end walls.
As his eyes grew accustomed to the gloom Wilde recognized another member of Sahib's crew, Able Seaman Cheeseman. Wilde called him over and suggested he should join them in their escape. Cheeseman thought it over for a while, then decided against it. He would have loved to accompany them, but pointed out that he was the only married man of the three, was forty years old, and had three children. He felt―Wilde and Davis thought rightly―that it would be wrong to risk leaving a widow and fatherless children at this stage of the game. He reckoned he ought to accept the alternative of imprisonment in Germany. He made his decision with obvious reluctance, but assured the other two that he would do all he could to help them get away.
With much clanking of couplings, straining of hinges, and squeaking of wheels the train pulled out. Bumping and swaying on the wooden floor of the truck, Davis and Wilde debated how they could best attempt to make a break for it - if at all. The discussion grew progressively more pessimistic . . . then the train shuddered to a halt. Wilde stuck his head through one of the narrow windows and saw they were at a small village station. Immediately in front of their truck was a brake van, and a German soldier climbed down from it and began patrolling the platform. He was just passing the end of Wilde's truck for the fourth or fifth time when the train started to pull out. Rifle in hand, he jumped forward and hoisted himself to a seat on the buffers, a few feet below Wilde's window.
In his action Wilde saw their one possibility of escape. It was hazardous - but the only chance they had. He went over to Davis and Cheeseman and told them of his plan. Wilde possessed the only coin they had. With great ceremony he tossed it - and lost. He would be the first to go.
(Wilde escaped and was not recaptured. Helped by several families, he eventually made his way to the hamlet of Dernice high in the Emilian Alps, at first joining and then leading a band of partisans.)
2655500 CSM Ralph CORPS
Corps of Military Police
Corps of Military Police
On his eigtheenth birthday, 09 05 1932, Ralph enlisted with the Coldstream Guards at Sheffield for 12 years (3 wth Colours, 9 Reserve). In December 1935 he left the army and joined the police, but four years later he rejoined the army. the following information comes from his Escape and Evasion report:
01 03 43 With pilot & member of the SAS Charlie West, tried to crawl through fences but failed.
03 03 43 Escaped. Planned to get to Brindisi airfield on foot, steal a plane and fly to Switzerland.
09 03 43 Recaptured by Italian farmers and carabinieri.
03 05 43 – 12 09 43 Chiavari, PG52, where completed radio with West.
12 09 43 Placed in closed wagon at Chiavari Station. Wagon doors were locked by Germans from outside.
Second Escape
14 09 43
Escaped from train near to Dolcé - cut floorboards of wagon with kitchen knife, levered them up and lowered himself
inbetween the rails with West and another serviceman (Former Man of Confidence Sub-Conductor W.J. Barker, Indian Army Ordnance Corps. Author's note).
November 43
Last saw West at Molina as owing to Fascists activity in that area they decided to go their own separate ways. He went south to the Po near Ortiglia to try and get across the Po and so proceed south to the Allie forces. People in this area were very afraid of the Germans and he could obtain very little assistance.
December 43
Changing course he went north west back into the mountains. He gave up any thought of reaching the Swiss frontier and so moved in the direction of Lake Garda.
18 12 43 -30 04 45
Having located two good Italian farmers in this area he decided to await the arrival of the allies. He stayed in the vicinity of Gavardo, approx 10km west of Lake Garda, 18km east of Brescia. ( he stayed at Paitone near Prevalle with the Maccarinelli, Garletti and Chiodi families (Author's note) He became a member of the partisans and was in personal communication with the parachutists of the 5th American Army who were operating in the area in which he lived.
01 05 45
He was taken to Brescia by the leader of the partisans. Arriving there he reported to an Allied officer- 5[th] Army troops who arrived in Brescia on 1 May.
03 05 45
He was then evacuated via Florence & Rome & arrived at ‘B’ - No. 2 Allied Prisoner of War Repatriation Camp at Resina, just S of Naples.
04 05 54
Interviewed by the Directorate of Military Intelligence ar Resina.
During his interview he quoted as persons who had given him assistance:
Cirillo Fumanieri of Dolcè
Augusto Chiodi, Casa Valetta 13, Paitone
Omodeo Cantoni of Prevalle
- 01 12 39 Enlisted in 50th British Northumberland Division, Provost Company CMP
01 06 42 Captured Gazala
DATE NOT SPECIFIED -15 06 42 Tuturano, PG85
15 06 42 – 03 05 43 Gravina, PG65
- 01 12 39 Enlisted in 50th British Northumberland Division, Provost Company CMP
01 03 43 With pilot & member of the SAS Charlie West, tried to crawl through fences but failed.
03 03 43 Escaped. Planned to get to Brindisi airfield on foot, steal a plane and fly to Switzerland.
09 03 43 Recaptured by Italian farmers and carabinieri.
03 05 43 – 12 09 43 Chiavari, PG52, where completed radio with West.
12 09 43 Placed in closed wagon at Chiavari Station. Wagon doors were locked by Germans from outside.
Second Escape
14 09 43
Escaped from train near to Dolcé - cut floorboards of wagon with kitchen knife, levered them up and lowered himself
inbetween the rails with West and another serviceman (Former Man of Confidence Sub-Conductor W.J. Barker, Indian Army Ordnance Corps. Author's note).
November 43
Last saw West at Molina as owing to Fascists activity in that area they decided to go their own separate ways. He went south to the Po near Ortiglia to try and get across the Po and so proceed south to the Allie forces. People in this area were very afraid of the Germans and he could obtain very little assistance.
December 43
Changing course he went north west back into the mountains. He gave up any thought of reaching the Swiss frontier and so moved in the direction of Lake Garda.
18 12 43 -30 04 45
Having located two good Italian farmers in this area he decided to await the arrival of the allies. He stayed in the vicinity of Gavardo, approx 10km west of Lake Garda, 18km east of Brescia. ( he stayed at Paitone near Prevalle with the Maccarinelli, Garletti and Chiodi families (Author's note) He became a member of the partisans and was in personal communication with the parachutists of the 5th American Army who were operating in the area in which he lived.
01 05 45
He was taken to Brescia by the leader of the partisans. Arriving there he reported to an Allied officer- 5[th] Army troops who arrived in Brescia on 1 May.
03 05 45
He was then evacuated via Florence & Rome & arrived at ‘B’ - No. 2 Allied Prisoner of War Repatriation Camp at Resina, just S of Naples.
04 05 54
Interviewed by the Directorate of Military Intelligence ar Resina.
During his interview he quoted as persons who had given him assistance:
Cirillo Fumanieri of Dolcè
Augusto Chiodi, Casa Valetta 13, Paitone
Omodeo Cantoni of Prevalle
C/JX317 9 51 A/B Leslie Arthur DRANE
HMS Bedouin
HMS Bedouin
HMS Bedouin was sunk by an aerial torpedo off Pantelleria on 15.06.43. A/B Leslie DRANE was rescued by Italians after spending 8 hours in the water. He finished up in PG 52 Chiavari. On the promulgation of the Italian Armistice, the Camp Leader ordered the camp to stay put, but the Germans took control and entrained the inmates for further captivity in Germany. Drane, with Australian VX33008 Gnr. Humphrey M. ANCHEN (2/3 LAA), 'Badge' ADAMS (RHA), C/JX.162730 Ord/Seaman G.G. HOWARD, C/JX.16170318 Ord/Seaman D. TAYLOR and some 30 others were loaded into a cattle truck. After travelling about an hour and a half towards Genoa, DRANE jumped out of the train just after three Australians had done so (possibly Gunner ANCHEN 2/3 LAA, VX26135 Sgt. Reginald Crawley MID 2/3rd LAA , and VX33354 Gunner George A. Phipps 2/3 LAA).
A/B DRANE walked into the outskirts of Genoa, where he met an English-speaking Italian who bought him a rail ticket back to Chiavari. There he hid in the village of Barbarasco until March 15, 1944. With 7 other escapees he then lived in Monte Ramaceto until October 10, 1944, when he tried to escape into France, but holed up instead in the village of Ciglié near the French border until November. Drane then went back to the area of the camp where he joined up with Gnr. Anchen.
A/B DRANE walked into the outskirts of Genoa, where he met an English-speaking Italian who bought him a rail ticket back to Chiavari. There he hid in the village of Barbarasco until March 15, 1944. With 7 other escapees he then lived in Monte Ramaceto until October 10, 1944, when he tried to escape into France, but holed up instead in the village of Ciglié near the French border until November. Drane then went back to the area of the camp where he joined up with Gnr. Anchen.
T/56491 Cpl. William Parsons
14 Company, Royal Army Service Corps
14 Company, Royal Army Service Corps
T/56491 Corporal William Parsons, 14 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, was captured on 28 June at Tobruk. Held initially in PG 66 Capua, he was sent from there to PG 68 Vetralla, and on 30 December, due to the closure of this camp, he was moved to PG 52 where he remained until the Armistice. Together with a Corporal Hind of Hull and another serviceman whose name he did not remember, he escaped from the train which was taking them to Germany. He went into hiding in the Pavia area. In his Liberation Report he wrote:
I was in hiding in the house of Mantovani Francesco when the town was released by the partisans (he himself was a commander). I have been hiding in his house for about a year and a half. When the English sent their representative to Pavia I went and reported to him. He sent me to Genoa by lorry, then on from there to Leghorn by lorry, from there I went to Naples by torpedo boat, I arrived at no. 3 Transport (Transit - author's note) Camp on 16 May 1945.
On a hand written sheet attached to this report, not dated but from its contents it is possible to work out that it was written sometime in 1946, there are the following three pages:
I escaped from the train that was taking me to Germany on the day after Italy capitulated. (Author's note: Other prisoners record that the Germans arrived the day after the capitulation. Possibly the first train left on the 12th, as suggested by Sgt. Slack.) The train was guarded by German soldiers on the top of the rear of the train, there were no guards inside the wagons. The train was doing approx. 20 m.p.h. Three of us escaped but I can't remember who they were. The escape was made about 8 o'clock in the evening it was almost dark. I lived with a family till the time of liberation., the head of the family was a member of the partisans, we did active work towards the latter end of the war in Italy.
The family kept and clothed me for almost two years at the risk of their own lives. I have not heard anything that is, almost a year after. Their names and address is as follows:
Mantovani Francesco
Mantovani Pina (wife)
Mantovani Fausto (son)
Address:
Via Gaspar Aselli, 7
Ponte di Pietro
Pavia
Could you please give me any information if it is possible for them to come and live with my family, or if it is possible for me to go over there. I think they are entitled to it for the wonderful service they did for the British Government.
Francesco Mantovani..this man and his wife gave me protection at very great risk to themselves.. They kept me in food and clothes for period stated (10 Sept.1943-8 May 1945). He gave me, suit, 2 shirt, four vests, four pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shoes, 20 handkerchiefs, 10 prs of socks. 2 good meals per day. Value about 16000 lire and gave 300 in cash.
I was in hiding in the house of Mantovani Francesco when the town was released by the partisans (he himself was a commander). I have been hiding in his house for about a year and a half. When the English sent their representative to Pavia I went and reported to him. He sent me to Genoa by lorry, then on from there to Leghorn by lorry, from there I went to Naples by torpedo boat, I arrived at no. 3 Transport (Transit - author's note) Camp on 16 May 1945.
On a hand written sheet attached to this report, not dated but from its contents it is possible to work out that it was written sometime in 1946, there are the following three pages:
I escaped from the train that was taking me to Germany on the day after Italy capitulated. (Author's note: Other prisoners record that the Germans arrived the day after the capitulation. Possibly the first train left on the 12th, as suggested by Sgt. Slack.) The train was guarded by German soldiers on the top of the rear of the train, there were no guards inside the wagons. The train was doing approx. 20 m.p.h. Three of us escaped but I can't remember who they were. The escape was made about 8 o'clock in the evening it was almost dark. I lived with a family till the time of liberation., the head of the family was a member of the partisans, we did active work towards the latter end of the war in Italy.
The family kept and clothed me for almost two years at the risk of their own lives. I have not heard anything that is, almost a year after. Their names and address is as follows:
Mantovani Francesco
Mantovani Pina (wife)
Mantovani Fausto (son)
Address:
Via Gaspar Aselli, 7
Ponte di Pietro
Pavia
Could you please give me any information if it is possible for them to come and live with my family, or if it is possible for me to go over there. I think they are entitled to it for the wonderful service they did for the British Government.
Francesco Mantovani..this man and his wife gave me protection at very great risk to themselves.. They kept me in food and clothes for period stated (10 Sept.1943-8 May 1945). He gave me, suit, 2 shirt, four vests, four pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shoes, 20 handkerchiefs, 10 prs of socks. 2 good meals per day. Value about 16000 lire and gave 300 in cash.
5241 WO II Aldborough Tom RUNDLE
Umvoti Mounted Rifles, Union Defence Force
Umvoti Mounted Rifles, Union Defence Force
His old school, King's, Canterbury has posted this information on the Internet:
...Aldborough RUNDLE and some of his comrades hid in a tunnel while the camp was being cleared but were discovered and entrained for Germany on the 12th of September 1943. As the train entered a tunnel between Brignole and Genoa he and four other prisoners crawled through a ventilator and dropped onto the track. They boarded another train bound for Rome but had to jump off it at Chiavari to avoid capture.
...Aldborough RUNDLE and some of his comrades hid in a tunnel while the camp was being cleared but were discovered and entrained for Germany on the 12th of September 1943. As the train entered a tunnel between Brignole and Genoa he and four other prisoners crawled through a ventilator and dropped onto the track. They boarded another train bound for Rome but had to jump off it at Chiavari to avoid capture.
407550 Sgt. Samuel SLACK Indian Army Corps of Clerks
Sgt. BRADFORD (4973158) Sherwood Foresters and myself escaped from train approx. 4 miles South of Savona at approx 1830 hrs. Discover contadino's (farm worker's – author's note) house isolated, exchange all personal possessions for two suits of civilians and 1 pair of shoes. Sleep here.
Sept. 14. Left 0400 hrs travelling South on main coast road Savona - Genoa. Passed 3 road blocks, not halted. Seems to be a great deal of confusion. Arrive outside San Martino Hospital Genoa at approx. 1400 hrs. Rest one hour. Great movement of German troops into Genoa from all directions mostly horse transport. Left Genoa 1500 hrs. Exchange two bars of soap for one kilo of bread at STURLA. Arrive Bogliasco 2000 hrs. Road block and curfew, leave road for mountains. Slept out on top of mountains.
Sept. 15. Entered Teriasca, SORI - spoke to priest through interpreter given food and guide for road to Cicagna. Zone lousy with Carabinieri.
Sept. 16. 0700 hrs leave Teriasca pass through Canepa - Monte Becco – Cornua. Arrive 1000 hrs at Osteria Madonna del Bosco given food and drink. 1200 hrs arrive Lago Massina (not on map - author's note) inquire from old man road to Cicagna. Take main road to Gattorna. Hear car in rear travelling at high speed leave road hurriedly for River Bed. FORTUNATE. Car halts and two German S.S. descend commence to search road and surroundings for us. Stop and interrogate several Italians on road. We are sitting in a large pool of water in the river bed when they approach in our direction we submerge. Spend most uncomfortable 40 minutes in this manner. Car goes off and we take to the mountains.
Sept. 17,18,19. Live in thick wood. No confidence in Italians - food consists of green chestnuts and late tomatoes raided from allotments nightly Both suffering bad cold and touch of dysentery.
Sept. 20. BRADFORD very ill but not to accost Italians again. 1600 hrs see an old man searching nearby for mushrooms. I accost him and ask him for food. Promises to go off and get some. Returns one hour later but cannot find us. Prudence, the ruling factor we had, moves positions. Assuring myself that he had returned alone I called him over. He had brought a goodly quantity of food and wine. At 2000 hrs leave with this man for USCIO.
Sept. 21 to Oct. 15. Stay at Uscio. Zone too hot to move in. Meet Primo Garavento of Calinara who introduces me to Conte Bianco (possibly a pseudonym- author's note). Latter offers to get us to Switzerland. Bradford accepts I refuse. I do not relish another prison or internment...
Oct. 17. BRADFORD left for Switzerland. (He made it to Switzerland, interviewed 18/12/1943. Author's note.
http:// findmypast.co.uk) I travel by bus for Recco.
Sept. 14. Left 0400 hrs travelling South on main coast road Savona - Genoa. Passed 3 road blocks, not halted. Seems to be a great deal of confusion. Arrive outside San Martino Hospital Genoa at approx. 1400 hrs. Rest one hour. Great movement of German troops into Genoa from all directions mostly horse transport. Left Genoa 1500 hrs. Exchange two bars of soap for one kilo of bread at STURLA. Arrive Bogliasco 2000 hrs. Road block and curfew, leave road for mountains. Slept out on top of mountains.
Sept. 15. Entered Teriasca, SORI - spoke to priest through interpreter given food and guide for road to Cicagna. Zone lousy with Carabinieri.
Sept. 16. 0700 hrs leave Teriasca pass through Canepa - Monte Becco – Cornua. Arrive 1000 hrs at Osteria Madonna del Bosco given food and drink. 1200 hrs arrive Lago Massina (not on map - author's note) inquire from old man road to Cicagna. Take main road to Gattorna. Hear car in rear travelling at high speed leave road hurriedly for River Bed. FORTUNATE. Car halts and two German S.S. descend commence to search road and surroundings for us. Stop and interrogate several Italians on road. We are sitting in a large pool of water in the river bed when they approach in our direction we submerge. Spend most uncomfortable 40 minutes in this manner. Car goes off and we take to the mountains.
Sept. 17,18,19. Live in thick wood. No confidence in Italians - food consists of green chestnuts and late tomatoes raided from allotments nightly Both suffering bad cold and touch of dysentery.
Sept. 20. BRADFORD very ill but not to accost Italians again. 1600 hrs see an old man searching nearby for mushrooms. I accost him and ask him for food. Promises to go off and get some. Returns one hour later but cannot find us. Prudence, the ruling factor we had, moves positions. Assuring myself that he had returned alone I called him over. He had brought a goodly quantity of food and wine. At 2000 hrs leave with this man for USCIO.
Sept. 21 to Oct. 15. Stay at Uscio. Zone too hot to move in. Meet Primo Garavento of Calinara who introduces me to Conte Bianco (possibly a pseudonym- author's note). Latter offers to get us to Switzerland. Bradford accepts I refuse. I do not relish another prison or internment...
Oct. 17. BRADFORD left for Switzerland. (He made it to Switzerland, interviewed 18/12/1943. Author's note.
http:// findmypast.co.uk) I travel by bus for Recco.
WITH THE PARTISANS
Some of the men mentioned above are also referred to in this section.
Gunner ANCHEN had escaped from a train at a tunnel near Santa Margherita. He had then walked into the mountains to Favale and from there he and VX33354 Gunner George A. PHIPPS, 2/3 LAA, travelled south as far as Cichero, moving on firstly to Lorsica. They joined the partisans of the 3rd Garibaldi Brigade 'Cichero', who were operating in the Trebbia valley in July 1944, but the band was dispersed by German action a month later. ANCHEN remained in the area until late 1944 and joined another partisan band at ORERO (probably the MATTEOTTI. See below under Sgt. Strachan) along with Sgt. CRAWLEY and Gunner PHIPPS.
These three men together with A/B Drane avoided recapture and made it to the Allied lines.
These three men together with A/B Drane avoided recapture and made it to the Allied lines.
2656614 Sgt. William Hunter STRACHAN Coldstream Guards
Colonel TADDEI and his son accepted office (in the camp - Author's note) when the Republican Fascists reformed. Political prisoners were confined there. I know this because I was operating in the area with the Matteo Brigade (MATTEOTTI Brigade. Author's note) composed of partisans. In May 1944 this brigade relieved all the prisoners and Colonel TADDEI took refuge in the hills to avoid being court-martialled by the Fascists. ( It was in June. See below).
On a day in June (July. See below) I met Colonel TADDEI and his son in the hills near Colombano and I drew my revolver intending to shoot him on the spot. I was prevented by my friends who were with me. I accused him of being responsible for my ill-treatment in the camp. He admitted he knew of it but said that even though he was commandant he could not dictate the policy of the Carabinieri. He was in a very nervous condition and broke down and wept. We left him to his fate.
I joined the Allied forces on November 23rd 1944.
On a day in June (July. See below) I met Colonel TADDEI and his son in the hills near Colombano and I drew my revolver intending to shoot him on the spot. I was prevented by my friends who were with me. I accused him of being responsible for my ill-treatment in the camp. He admitted he knew of it but said that even though he was commandant he could not dictate the policy of the Carabinieri. He was in a very nervous condition and broke down and wept. We left him to his fate.
I joined the Allied forces on November 23rd 1944.
(Author's notE. The 'Banda Matteotti' was just one of the decentralized units scattered throughout the territory, and had amongst its adherents some former British and Commonwealth prisoners. During the night between 4 and 5 July 1944, with a daring coup studied over a considerable period of time, a team of about 30 partisans stormed Camp PG 52 Pian di Coreglia (Calvari), previously used for the detention of British and Commonwealth prisoners of war. At that time the camp housed a score of political detainees and Jewish civilians brought in from Genoa and the surrounding area and destined for deportation to German concentration camps. They were under the surveillance of a garrison of armed guards and the militia of the RSI (Republic of Salò). Having freed the captives, the partisans made off with arms, clothing, and sums of money.)
407550 Sgt. Samuel SLACK Indian Army Corps of Clerks
Sgt. Slack was sheltered at Recco by a person he named as Conte Bianco from Oct 17 to Feb l2 1944. After the capture and torture of the latter by the SS he left for the mountains, and on 17 February he decided to join the partisans. He went to Cichero, headquarters of the partisan band of the same name, and met up with partisan leader 'Bisagno' - real name Aldo Gastaldi.
Month of February - band arrives at total of 55. I am registered at C of L (Committee of Liberation) Genoa as '5004'. Appointed by Bisagno as 2 C/o Band.
May 22. Sensation. Fascist newspaper, POLFER, Sampierdarena, (in Genoa. Author's note) front page headlines UN RIBELLE RACCONTA. Given much publicity, described as a bandit, killer of the loyal and the article finally finished to described my arrest and death.
Other episodes recounted include the unmasking of a member of the Italian SS named Gigi - who purported to be the leader of a group of partisans when in fact he was a spy - the shooting of his driver, the execution of a female collaborator, a raid on a navy barracks and an attack on a German armoured car:
The same band later in JULY burnt Cichero to the ground. During this episode three South Africans attacked the car of GIGI, killing PETERS (2 i/c - author's note) and taking PW a girl named ROSIE. The latter had been employed a considerable time by the SS for getting to know the whereabouts of Partisans. She was retained by the South Africans for 23 days and later handed over to Brigata Garibaldini (the partisans of the Brigata Garibaldi. Author's note) for questioning. She was later shot approx. Sept.
June 17. Attack and disarm the 10th Flottila MAS at PRATO, Genoa.
June 18. Carlo and ten of band attack German armoured car at Gattorna. Destroy car and take 4 German senior officers prisoners. These were unfortunate, owing to the fact that Carlo was wounded in the fight and prisoners had to pass one of our road blocks at Montebruno which happened to be manned by Russians. They didn't pass. They are buried at Montebruno.
Sgt. Slack also describes the partisan attack on the former POW camp (See STRACHAN above) , which had become a camp for Jews and civil internees. At the same time he started to make contact with allied servicemen operating behind the lines:
July 5. One of our group commanded by Murri attacks PG 52 and liberates 18 prisoners, amongst them my present wife TINA. TINA becomes mascot of Brigata Garibaldina. Amongst prisoners two English women and 5 Egyptians. All documents of British prisoners who formerly inhabited 52 Camp are now in the possession of Murri who intends to hand them over to the allies on arrival. (See Ten. Zavatteri on Documents page for the correct version. Author's note.)
July. Bisagno calls me to Rovegno to meet 15 American paratroops commanded by Capt. Wheeler. It appears that these paratroopers have been dropped to organise the partisans....Meet Gino and American Mission at Rezzoaglio and 7 Paratroopers of Nembo Division (Italian division operating with Allied troops. Author's note) Meet Capt Bishop. N.Z.
Month of February - band arrives at total of 55. I am registered at C of L (Committee of Liberation) Genoa as '5004'. Appointed by Bisagno as 2 C/o Band.
May 22. Sensation. Fascist newspaper, POLFER, Sampierdarena, (in Genoa. Author's note) front page headlines UN RIBELLE RACCONTA. Given much publicity, described as a bandit, killer of the loyal and the article finally finished to described my arrest and death.
Other episodes recounted include the unmasking of a member of the Italian SS named Gigi - who purported to be the leader of a group of partisans when in fact he was a spy - the shooting of his driver, the execution of a female collaborator, a raid on a navy barracks and an attack on a German armoured car:
The same band later in JULY burnt Cichero to the ground. During this episode three South Africans attacked the car of GIGI, killing PETERS (2 i/c - author's note) and taking PW a girl named ROSIE. The latter had been employed a considerable time by the SS for getting to know the whereabouts of Partisans. She was retained by the South Africans for 23 days and later handed over to Brigata Garibaldini (the partisans of the Brigata Garibaldi. Author's note) for questioning. She was later shot approx. Sept.
June 17. Attack and disarm the 10th Flottila MAS at PRATO, Genoa.
June 18. Carlo and ten of band attack German armoured car at Gattorna. Destroy car and take 4 German senior officers prisoners. These were unfortunate, owing to the fact that Carlo was wounded in the fight and prisoners had to pass one of our road blocks at Montebruno which happened to be manned by Russians. They didn't pass. They are buried at Montebruno.
Sgt. Slack also describes the partisan attack on the former POW camp (See STRACHAN above) , which had become a camp for Jews and civil internees. At the same time he started to make contact with allied servicemen operating behind the lines:
July 5. One of our group commanded by Murri attacks PG 52 and liberates 18 prisoners, amongst them my present wife TINA. TINA becomes mascot of Brigata Garibaldina. Amongst prisoners two English women and 5 Egyptians. All documents of British prisoners who formerly inhabited 52 Camp are now in the possession of Murri who intends to hand them over to the allies on arrival. (See Ten. Zavatteri on Documents page for the correct version. Author's note.)
July. Bisagno calls me to Rovegno to meet 15 American paratroops commanded by Capt. Wheeler. It appears that these paratroopers have been dropped to organise the partisans....Meet Gino and American Mission at Rezzoaglio and 7 Paratroopers of Nembo Division (Italian division operating with Allied troops. Author's note) Meet Capt Bishop. N.Z.
Sgt. Slack and two unknown partisans
DEATH BEHIND THE LINES
1455197 Gnr. L.E. HADDY
Royal Artillery
Royal Artillery
Gunner HADDY, registered as being held prisoner in PG 52 in WO 392/21, was killed on 16 September 1944 behind the lines in unknown circumstances. Killed on the same date was 2723037 Guardsman John Oliver DINSMORE, 1 Irish Guards, who had been taken prisoner at Anzio in February 1944. They were temporarily buried in Roccaverano in Piedmont and were transferred to Staglieno War Cemetery Genoa on 17 October 1945 as the CONCENTRATION FORM shows.
5241 WO II Aldborough Tom RUNDLE
Umvoti Mounted Rifles, Union Defence Force
Umvoti Mounted Rifles, Union Defence Force
WO II RUNDLE'S old school continues:
Whilst hiding in the hills he became the leader of an Italian partisan unit and was known as Tomaso, gaining almost legendary status. On the 17th of October 1944 he and four others went into Chiavari to capture a fascist. They were themselves ambushed by fascists and were captured, sentenced to death and led before a firing squad the next day. Together with another Italian partisan, "Vito", his hands were untied while the pair knelt side by side to allow a priest to give them a blessing before they were shot. When the blessing was finished Rundle leapt to his feet and ran. Six shots were fired at him as he fled but all missed until the Captain of the firing squad fired his machine gun which killed Tom Rundle. The two bodies were placed in a tomb and the villagers of Carasco gathered around it in vigil through the night. When the allied forces arrived months later they exhumed his body and reburied it with full military honours. He was posthumously mentioned in despatches for his work in escape, evasion and Special Operations which was announced in the London Gazette of the 20th of September 1945.
WO II RUNDLE may also have been the 'Tom' mentioned by Sgt. SLACK, despite the fact that the month of his death was October not September:
In March 44 I encountered an Italian named SIKI (probably SARCHI - author's note) who informed me that he had 6 Britishers hiding in his house and that the SS had discovered so. The house was at Lavagna, Chiavari. I arranged for Siki to bring these men to San Martino where I met them and took them on to my HQ. Their names were BSM CAMLIN RA, Sgt. DEVONSHIRE, Buffs, 4 South Africans - Christian names, Tom, John, Ben, and Don. Tom was killed by Fascists in Sept 44 at Chiavari. These men had been hiding in a small shack for six months and had not seen the light of day during that period. Their only exercise was a few minutes late at night. They stayed with me for two weeks regained their colour and strength then left, presumably for Switzerland. They never arrived in Switzerland.
WO II RUNDLE is buried in Staglieno Cemetery Genoa, Row D Plot 2. There was a war crime investigation into his shooting:
WO 310/55 Caraso Italy. Shooting of South African PW. The place name is spelt wrongly in the National Archives Catalogue - the correct name is CARASCO. (Author's note)
Whilst hiding in the hills he became the leader of an Italian partisan unit and was known as Tomaso, gaining almost legendary status. On the 17th of October 1944 he and four others went into Chiavari to capture a fascist. They were themselves ambushed by fascists and were captured, sentenced to death and led before a firing squad the next day. Together with another Italian partisan, "Vito", his hands were untied while the pair knelt side by side to allow a priest to give them a blessing before they were shot. When the blessing was finished Rundle leapt to his feet and ran. Six shots were fired at him as he fled but all missed until the Captain of the firing squad fired his machine gun which killed Tom Rundle. The two bodies were placed in a tomb and the villagers of Carasco gathered around it in vigil through the night. When the allied forces arrived months later they exhumed his body and reburied it with full military honours. He was posthumously mentioned in despatches for his work in escape, evasion and Special Operations which was announced in the London Gazette of the 20th of September 1945.
WO II RUNDLE may also have been the 'Tom' mentioned by Sgt. SLACK, despite the fact that the month of his death was October not September:
In March 44 I encountered an Italian named SIKI (probably SARCHI - author's note) who informed me that he had 6 Britishers hiding in his house and that the SS had discovered so. The house was at Lavagna, Chiavari. I arranged for Siki to bring these men to San Martino where I met them and took them on to my HQ. Their names were BSM CAMLIN RA, Sgt. DEVONSHIRE, Buffs, 4 South Africans - Christian names, Tom, John, Ben, and Don. Tom was killed by Fascists in Sept 44 at Chiavari. These men had been hiding in a small shack for six months and had not seen the light of day during that period. Their only exercise was a few minutes late at night. They stayed with me for two weeks regained their colour and strength then left, presumably for Switzerland. They never arrived in Switzerland.
WO II RUNDLE is buried in Staglieno Cemetery Genoa, Row D Plot 2. There was a war crime investigation into his shooting:
WO 310/55 Caraso Italy. Shooting of South African PW. The place name is spelt wrongly in the National Archives Catalogue - the correct name is CARASCO. (Author's note)
CROSSING THE LINES
407550 Sgt. Samuel SLACK
Indian Army Corps of Clerks
Indian Army Corps of Clerks
In December 1944, following an autumn filled with action, Sgt. SLACK decided to try to cross the lines:
The Communist element had been coming to the fore very much over the last two months and together with my hopes of getting back to England I decided to cross the line. After spending more of less the month of Dec. with different bands of Partisans I arrived at Rossano on the 28th Dec. The moment I entered the valley there arrived 6 Daks (Dakotas - author's note) which began to drop supplies and also 33 men. I discovered these to be Captain WALKER-BROWN and men of the SAS. I spoke the same day to Capt. BROWN and decided to stay for a time with the SAS as interpreter and Quartermaster....
He also met up with Major GORDON LETT, who was based at Rossano, and Lt. RICCOMINI of the SAS:
Jan. 20
At 1000 hrs Major Lett together with two SAS arrived in Rossano and left almost immediately for the hills...
Feb. 7
Capt. Walker-Brown and all men left for Borseda leaving behind them Pte. KENNEDY suffering from Bronchial Pneumonia...
Feb. 13
Major Lett returned to Rossano. 1200 hrs. I received a note stating that I should report to Major Lett at 1500 hrs. I reported and was informed that I would be leaving immediately on a special mission to cross the line. I 1eft at 1530 hrs accompanied by my wife and two Poles arriving at Parana at 1000 hrs. I was given a package of documents and a personal letter to Major MACINTOSH, Florence, to bring through. I had instructions from Major Lett to wait at Parana for further instructions.
Feb. 14
At 1700 hrs 2 Drivers and 1 Engineer - all three Italians - arrived, they had instructions from Major Lett to cross the line with me. The Engineer I had known for the past two months, he was aged 56 yrs had been sick in bed for a month and was almost dead on his feet.
Feb. 15.
Left Parana with guide and party of nine for Tendola, arrived River Magra at 1900 hrs, crossed and slept from 2200 hrs till 0600 hrs 16 Feb.
Feb. 16.
Arrived Tendola 1100 hrs left 1500 hrs. Took main road - Tendola, Fosindova, Carrara arriving Carrara 1900 hrs. Slept at Carrara.
Feb. 17.
Stayed all day Carrara.
Feb. 18.
Left Carrara, party of 17 in, all guided by Lt. RIGO, No. 1 Special Force, at 0400 hrs arriving Antona 0900 hrs. Left Antona 1000 hrs arriving top of pass Mt. Altissimo at 1230 hrs. Had to wait for 30 mins. for the Engineer who had collapsed and had to be manhandled for the last 800 feet. This episode imperilled the lives of all the party and the documents I was carrying. Arrived at Azzana 1600 hrs. telephoned Capt. STEVENS, Viareggio, eventually procured transport and arrived Viareggio at 0200 hrs Feb 19. Handed over documents to Capt. Stevens. Top of Mt. Altissimo discovered two dead men who had apparently been shot the day before and 18 others taken prisoner by the German patrol.
This ends my story for the period 13 Sept to 18 Feb 45.
The Communist element had been coming to the fore very much over the last two months and together with my hopes of getting back to England I decided to cross the line. After spending more of less the month of Dec. with different bands of Partisans I arrived at Rossano on the 28th Dec. The moment I entered the valley there arrived 6 Daks (Dakotas - author's note) which began to drop supplies and also 33 men. I discovered these to be Captain WALKER-BROWN and men of the SAS. I spoke the same day to Capt. BROWN and decided to stay for a time with the SAS as interpreter and Quartermaster....
He also met up with Major GORDON LETT, who was based at Rossano, and Lt. RICCOMINI of the SAS:
Jan. 20
At 1000 hrs Major Lett together with two SAS arrived in Rossano and left almost immediately for the hills...
Feb. 7
Capt. Walker-Brown and all men left for Borseda leaving behind them Pte. KENNEDY suffering from Bronchial Pneumonia...
Feb. 13
Major Lett returned to Rossano. 1200 hrs. I received a note stating that I should report to Major Lett at 1500 hrs. I reported and was informed that I would be leaving immediately on a special mission to cross the line. I 1eft at 1530 hrs accompanied by my wife and two Poles arriving at Parana at 1000 hrs. I was given a package of documents and a personal letter to Major MACINTOSH, Florence, to bring through. I had instructions from Major Lett to wait at Parana for further instructions.
Feb. 14
At 1700 hrs 2 Drivers and 1 Engineer - all three Italians - arrived, they had instructions from Major Lett to cross the line with me. The Engineer I had known for the past two months, he was aged 56 yrs had been sick in bed for a month and was almost dead on his feet.
Feb. 15.
Left Parana with guide and party of nine for Tendola, arrived River Magra at 1900 hrs, crossed and slept from 2200 hrs till 0600 hrs 16 Feb.
Feb. 16.
Arrived Tendola 1100 hrs left 1500 hrs. Took main road - Tendola, Fosindova, Carrara arriving Carrara 1900 hrs. Slept at Carrara.
Feb. 17.
Stayed all day Carrara.
Feb. 18.
Left Carrara, party of 17 in, all guided by Lt. RIGO, No. 1 Special Force, at 0400 hrs arriving Antona 0900 hrs. Left Antona 1000 hrs arriving top of pass Mt. Altissimo at 1230 hrs. Had to wait for 30 mins. for the Engineer who had collapsed and had to be manhandled for the last 800 feet. This episode imperilled the lives of all the party and the documents I was carrying. Arrived at Azzana 1600 hrs. telephoned Capt. STEVENS, Viareggio, eventually procured transport and arrived Viareggio at 0200 hrs Feb 19. Handed over documents to Capt. Stevens. Top of Mt. Altissimo discovered two dead men who had apparently been shot the day before and 18 others taken prisoner by the German patrol.
This ends my story for the period 13 Sept to 18 Feb 45.
IN THE STALAGS
4122002 Cpl. Edward COPEMAN
22nd Btn. Cheshire Regiment
22nd Btn. Cheshire Regiment
Here is his story according to his grandson:
My grandfather's name was Edward Copeman, and he was in the 22nd Cheshire Regiment. I think his account begins in 1942, and he refers to the desert, so he may have been in Egypt at the time (we do have a lot of photos from Egypt). The truck he was in ran over a land mine; he got some shrapnel in his leg, and another man, Mick Parker, was badly injured. He mentions a Sgt. Lord, who went to get help, but never came back as he was taken prisoner; there were two other men with them — Tug Wilson and Joe Gill. They were stuck in the middle of all these land mines, and survived by drinking water from the radiator of a German MK 3 tank. On the third day they flagged down a passing British truck, but it was driven by Germans who captured them and handed them over to the Italians...Mick Parker was taken to one hospital, my granddad to another, and he says he never saw any of the lads again. He was then taken to a transit hospital, and then another hospital beginning with a B (probably Benghazi. Author's note). After two weeks he went to another hospital, then after a while to another beginning with T, (Tarhuna. Author's note) then he was moved again to an Italian Hospital Ship. He says after 10 days of moving about they landed at Naples, where he was taken to a civilian hospital.
After being in hospital for 5 months he was moved again to a transit camp at Benevento, then after a week the whole camp was moved by goods train to PG 52 in Italy. When the Italians stopped fighting, the Sgt. Major who ran the camp said he'd open the gates and let everyone go, (S/SM Shimmins author's note) but the next morning they were surrounded by Germans who told them they were now Prisoners of War. After a week there were 4 train loads of POWs, about 17 in each truck, being moved to Germany. My granddad was in the second to last truck. As they approached a long tunnel, the Brenner Pass between Italy and Austria, there was an air raid by British bombers. His train was in the tunnel, but another train did get hit. When they arrived at the next station there was no one in the end truck as they'd cut a hole in the wooden floor and escaped while they were in the tunnel.
After 5 days they arrived at a Stalag. It was now 1943. Someone had a wireless, and the guards could never find it, no matter how hard they searched for it.
My granddad says he and his mate Alec Sherritt put their names down for a working party, but you had to be a Cpl. or a Sgt. Alec was a L/Cpl but put another stripe on, but he was found out and sent back to the camp. The working party went by train to Poland, there were about 78 of them in a small camp near Krakow, and they worked in a paper mill. They were there for two weeks but then had to start walking, my granddad says it was 18th of January 1943 (1945 Author's note)They stopped at Breslaw, and Dresden, and then a bit later he says it was March 1944 and they were in Plzeji... They walked from Dresden to Leipzig to Rochlitz; the Russians were close by this point.
Their guards changed into civilian clothes and basically left them on their own. Most of the lads made off, but my granddad and two others went in search of food. The next morning they walked into the village and came face to face with one of their German guards, wheeling a bike. They took it off him and told him to walk like they'd been doing since January, it was now April. They found the Mayor's house where they were given food and drink, and they were visited by a Russian officer who said he'd come back on Sunday, but on Sunday morning the three of them left with the bike and some food and carried on walking. They rested overnight and then the next day came to a station. There was no one about, so they went to look in the...
Unfortunately that is where my grandfather's account ends, just like that, mid-sentence. So I've no way of knowing what happened to them in the short-term, although he did eventually come back home and lived to 82, so in that respect, it was a happy ending.
(He, and anyone else in the same situation, should visit the National Archives, London, (or engage a researcher to to this for him) to see if there is a LIBERATION REPORT and he should also obtain a copy of his grandfather's SERVICE RECORD from Glasgow. )
My grandfather's name was Edward Copeman, and he was in the 22nd Cheshire Regiment. I think his account begins in 1942, and he refers to the desert, so he may have been in Egypt at the time (we do have a lot of photos from Egypt). The truck he was in ran over a land mine; he got some shrapnel in his leg, and another man, Mick Parker, was badly injured. He mentions a Sgt. Lord, who went to get help, but never came back as he was taken prisoner; there were two other men with them — Tug Wilson and Joe Gill. They were stuck in the middle of all these land mines, and survived by drinking water from the radiator of a German MK 3 tank. On the third day they flagged down a passing British truck, but it was driven by Germans who captured them and handed them over to the Italians...Mick Parker was taken to one hospital, my granddad to another, and he says he never saw any of the lads again. He was then taken to a transit hospital, and then another hospital beginning with a B (probably Benghazi. Author's note). After two weeks he went to another hospital, then after a while to another beginning with T, (Tarhuna. Author's note) then he was moved again to an Italian Hospital Ship. He says after 10 days of moving about they landed at Naples, where he was taken to a civilian hospital.
After being in hospital for 5 months he was moved again to a transit camp at Benevento, then after a week the whole camp was moved by goods train to PG 52 in Italy. When the Italians stopped fighting, the Sgt. Major who ran the camp said he'd open the gates and let everyone go, (S/SM Shimmins author's note) but the next morning they were surrounded by Germans who told them they were now Prisoners of War. After a week there were 4 train loads of POWs, about 17 in each truck, being moved to Germany. My granddad was in the second to last truck. As they approached a long tunnel, the Brenner Pass between Italy and Austria, there was an air raid by British bombers. His train was in the tunnel, but another train did get hit. When they arrived at the next station there was no one in the end truck as they'd cut a hole in the wooden floor and escaped while they were in the tunnel.
After 5 days they arrived at a Stalag. It was now 1943. Someone had a wireless, and the guards could never find it, no matter how hard they searched for it.
My granddad says he and his mate Alec Sherritt put their names down for a working party, but you had to be a Cpl. or a Sgt. Alec was a L/Cpl but put another stripe on, but he was found out and sent back to the camp. The working party went by train to Poland, there were about 78 of them in a small camp near Krakow, and they worked in a paper mill. They were there for two weeks but then had to start walking, my granddad says it was 18th of January 1943 (1945 Author's note)They stopped at Breslaw, and Dresden, and then a bit later he says it was March 1944 and they were in Plzeji... They walked from Dresden to Leipzig to Rochlitz; the Russians were close by this point.
Their guards changed into civilian clothes and basically left them on their own. Most of the lads made off, but my granddad and two others went in search of food. The next morning they walked into the village and came face to face with one of their German guards, wheeling a bike. They took it off him and told him to walk like they'd been doing since January, it was now April. They found the Mayor's house where they were given food and drink, and they were visited by a Russian officer who said he'd come back on Sunday, but on Sunday morning the three of them left with the bike and some food and carried on walking. They rested overnight and then the next day came to a station. There was no one about, so they went to look in the...
Unfortunately that is where my grandfather's account ends, just like that, mid-sentence. So I've no way of knowing what happened to them in the short-term, although he did eventually come back home and lived to 82, so in that respect, it was a happy ending.
(He, and anyone else in the same situation, should visit the National Archives, London, (or engage a researcher to to this for him) to see if there is a LIBERATION REPORT and he should also obtain a copy of his grandfather's SERVICE RECORD from Glasgow. )
© Janet Kinrade Dethick February 2018
