Italian Camp POW lists - 1942, 1943

Discussion in 'Prisoners of War' started by Thatman, Aug 6, 2021.

  1. Thatman

    Thatman New Member

    My father was captured in North Africa at Belhamed on 1 Dec 1941 and was on the Jason (Sebastian Venier) that was sunk off Greece mid-December 1941. I believe that he eventually made landfall at Brindisi in January 1942 and probably spent his initial incarceration at PG85 - Tuturano. After that I have no knowledge of his movements apart from a mention of being in Northern Italy and then subsequent to the capitulation he spent two weeks in Trieste (which I presume was in Stalag 339) before going north to Stalag 18A, Stalag 8A and finally Stalag 8B/344 in October 1943. He was at Oderberg - E728 until late January 1945 when he was on one of the forced marches out.

    There has been mention of POW lists for Italy compiled around August/September 1943 previously. I would be greatful if someone was able to shed light on the following person

    Frank HOLM, 20th Battalion NZEF 7976. His German POW number was 32748.

    regards

    Bruce
     
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  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    Welcome to the forum.

    Forum member vitellino maybe able to assist re the Italian POW list.

    You may not be aware that you can apply to Swiss Red Cross for copies of their POW records via this link -

    Requests for information about people held during Spanish Civil War or Second World War: Quarterly limit reached

    Your first opportunity to apply will be 20th September 2021. You need to be quick off the mark and check the site at the given time and a pop up online application form should be visible. Pre covid you would get a reply by post not less than 4 months later. It is a free service.

    Steve
     
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  3. Thatman

    Thatman New Member

    Thanks Steve.

    Yes, I am aware of the Swiss Red Cross link, I have my alarm set in readiness.

    Bruce
     
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  4. vitellino

    vitellino Senior Member

    I have the 1943 August list and will get back to you later today- am busy with Milan War Cemetery at the moment!

    I can look up Frank Holm as you ask, but what was your father's name?

    Vitellino
     
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  5. vitellino

    vitellino Senior Member

    WO 392/21, the archive reference number of the POW file compiled by the International Red Cross in August 1943 giving the camp that each prisoner was last recorded as having been in, (NOT necessarily where he was in August 1943), shows Frank Holm as having been in held in PG 85 at Tuturano near Brindisi.

    However, the camp was cleared much earlier following the defeat of the Axis powers in North Africa in the spring of that yearand the men were sent north to other camps.

    You mention Trieste, but to my knowledge many of the ANZACS were sent to Grupignano (one p) , which is in the north east. It would seem that the entire camp was sent to Germany following the Armistice of 8 September.

    Vitellino

    Edited to say that apart from three Russians, no Allied POWs were held in Gonars. The persons held there were captured soldiers of the ex-Yugoslav army and political internees. Info. from www.campifascisti.it
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2021
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  6. Thatman

    Thatman New Member

    Vitellino,

    that would tie in with a piece of paper that I have just found that says ' first camp PG65, second PG85 and third PG57' . ( a note that dad made in the late 90's)

    This would validate Grupignano as you have mentioned. From there he went to Stalags 18A then 8A before 8B

    many thanks

    Bruce
     
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  7. vitellino

    vitellino Senior Member

    Please give me your father's name, for the record. That is because I collaborate with a person who is interested in PG 65 and is compiling a list of POWs and their movements!!! An important ceremony is planned for the camp in September of this year and I hope to be there.There was a New Zealander at the last ceremony in 2019.

    If your father was in PG 65 at any time he would like to hear from you. He is Domenico Bolognese on this forum.

    Vitellino
     
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  8. Thatman

    Thatman New Member

    Vitellino,

    Francis (Frank) George HOLM, 20th Battalion 2NZEF #7976. German POW # 32748.

    Bruce
     
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  9. vitellino

    vitellino Senior Member

    Fine. I misread your original comment..
     

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