Good morning My father escaped from behind the front line in Italy October 1943 with the help of paratroopers dropped behind the lines. The escape was by fishing boat from near Gulianova to Termoli. Dad had walked 300 miles south from PG29 Veano after the Italian Armitice. I found the names of the troop which was led by Lt James at the Paradata Archive in Duxford and also the names of other escapers helped. I was wondering if anyone else has information . I am planning to try to trace the paratroopers involved and the POW escapers in the hope of finding their stories. If anyone is interested I will post the names of those involved. Regards Nigel
Hello Vitellino I am sorry for not replying sooner . I have a list of 42 names ( 41 POW and and Italian doctor Fausto Simonetta) who were helped by Lt James paratroop stick during Operation SIMCOL in October 1943. I also have the names of the paratroopers involved. I will scan the lists and see if I can find a way of sending it to you via the Forum as I am not that familiar with how to use this website.. I may not get this done for about 3 weeks as I am travelling to Italy shortly for the Liberation Commemoration events with the Gustav Line Association in Abruzzo. What is your interest in this ? Best wishes Nigel
I live in Italy and am a researcher in WW2 with special reference to POWs in Umbria. I have a long list of escapers/eaders who were helped by Italian lieutenant Sergio Forti but this was later than October '43. I have just self-published with Lulu.com. a book entitled 'The Long Trail Home' with the subtitle Allied Prisoners of War in Umbria 1943-4. If you send me a private message I will give you my email. Whereabouts in the Abruzzo is the commemoration taking place? Regards, Vitellino
Hi Nigel, my Grandfather served in Italy during the WWII. I think he was on operation SIMCOL, but I am having difficulty finding any information on him. He was Corporal Albert Joseph Holtom of the 2nd Battalion 1st Airborne the Parachute Regiment ('A' Company). His service number was 10631895. I would be interested to know if he is on your list at all. Regards, Paul
