WW2 Italian Soldiers in POW Camps in Libya and England

Discussion in 'User Introductions' started by JosieCatalano, Feb 16, 2014.

  1. JosieCatalano

    JosieCatalano New Member

    I am the daughter of an Italian soldier who was conscripted by Mussolini at the start of WW2 and he spent years in POW camps in Libya and England. My father passed away 5 years ago and I am now doing research on his war years. I need information on any of these camps where Italian soldiers were housed. I want to know what conditions were like and any photos or documents would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
     

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  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    I know some Italians were held at the Swindon Town FC ground , my Mum remembers that well, she lived nearby.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_Ground_%28Swindon%29

     
  3. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Hi Josie,

    Welcome to the forum

    This might help you understand and start your quest - http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/02/a3936602.shtml

    "From July 1941, Italian prisoners captured in the Middle East were brought to Britain. This was the first major influx of prisoners of war to the country. Italian POWs presented one way of alleviating labour shortages in Britain, particularly in agriculture. Following the Italian surrender in 1943, 100,000 Italians volunteered to work as 'co-operators'. They were given considerable freedom and mixed with local people."

    It may be worth posting his details - whatever you have - there are Italian members on here and others may be able to help fill in some gaps and provide some pieces of the jigsaw for you. Some of the veterans may be able to help you understand what times were like etc.

    TD

    edited to add:

    check out - http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/41446-italian-pow-lists/
     
  4. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Welcome to the forum, Josie.

    Find attached a link to a 55 page PDF put together by English Heritage of Axis PoW camps in the UK: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/prisoner-of-war-camps/prisoner-of-war-camps.pdf I hope this is helpful...

    I was born on a farm in Northumberland, England, and I recall my maternal grandfather and my mother telling stories about Italian PoW's working on the farm during WWII. They were well liked, well treated and given a lot of 'freedom'; if that is an appropriate word to use in connection with a prisoner. Apparently, most of the Italian prisoners were just happy to be out of the fighting... I hope your father was well treated.

    There were so many Italian PoW's stayed in or around Bedford, England, after WWII was over, that an Italian Vice-Consulate was opened in Bedford. It only closed approximately 15 years ago. The fact they stayed over here may have had a lot to do with the depressed state of the immediate post-war Italian economy, but stay they did.

    Good luck with your search.

    Best,

    Steve.
     

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