In “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers A–B” I explained how in 2013 researcher Brian Sims gave me access to a booklet entitled Italy: Imperial Prisoners of War Alphabetical List, Section 1, British Army.

The Alphabetical List contains the names of thousands of British prisoners of war interned in Italian camps, apparently compiled in 1942 or the spring of 1943.

Below is a list of soldiers C–F who were documented as P.G. 59 internees.

A key to acronyms and abbreviations follows the list.

Page 26
Cade, J. W. – Gnr. – 1433324 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Cahill, P. – Tpr. – 3597294 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Cairns, G. F. – Tpr. 7887665 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Calder, R. – Drv. – T/17143 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Caldwell, G. – Gnr. – 1438906 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Cameron. N. W. – Cpl. – T/128221 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Cammack, H. M. – Gnr. – 1504725 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 27
Cannon, W. E. – Tpr. – 310798 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Cannon, F. C. – Pte. – 5507161 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Card, J. F. – Pte. – T/87649 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Cardew, C. E. – Sgt. – 5334982 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Carey, J. H. – Cpl. – 5569678 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Carlile, A. – L/Cpl. – 7887425 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Carr, B. – Drv. – 1498710 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Carre, E. – Drv. – T/107828 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Carter, J. – Gnr. – 1568749 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Carter, G.A. – Pte. – 5501865 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23

Page 28
Caselton, E.A. – Tpr. – 7916190 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Cash, G. H. – Gnr. – 494037 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Cashman, J. – Gnr. – 1138649 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Cass, E. – Gnr. – 932138 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Catchpole, W. E. A. – Pte. – 4393035 – Gn. How. – R.O. No. 20
Cato, D. E. – Pte. – T/178963 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Cavanagh, L. – Gnr. – 964741 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Cawley, T. – Gnr. – 964005 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Chalkley, G. J. – Pte. – 5952890 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
Chapman, R. – Gnr. – 940885 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 29
Chapman, G. W. – P.S.M. – 6284978 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Charles, G. E. – Drv. – T/172649 – R.A.S.C.– R.O. No. 29
Chessell, A. – Pte. – 7264690 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Chilton, F. – Gnr. – 1432902 – R.A. – R.O. No.6
Chivers, S. A. – Tpr. – 7909731 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Christie, R. D. – L/Bdr. – 1085435 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Church, E. F. C. – Pte. – 6149306 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Churcher, R. C. – Pte. – Pte. – 6145252 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Clack, L. H. – Cpl. – 5496127 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23

Page 30
Claricoats, G. H. – Tpr. – 7910094 – R.A.C. – R.O. No.3
Clark, J. F. – Drv. – T/136722 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Clark, W. – Cpl. – 318423 – R.A.C. – R.O. No.3
Clark, K. J. – Gnr. – 910828 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Clark, D. W. – Sgm. – 2586429 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Clarke, G. H. – Tpr. – 420554 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Clarke, H. J. – L/Bdr. – 802715 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Clarke, V. E. – Pte. – 6148727 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Clayton, E. – Bdr. – 815454 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Clayton. F. E. – L/Cpl. – 6140555 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Clayton, S. – Tpr. – 7911622 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 31
Clews, C. S. – Rfm. – 6916312 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Cliffe, W. – Pte. – 4806856 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
Clinton, J. – Tpe. – 319442 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Cole, E. S. – Pte. – 5502781 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Cole, C. A. N. – Pte. – S/107140 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Page 32
Condron, E. C. – Tpr. – 4807661 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Connolly, C. – Tpr. – 553769 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Connolly, T. – Pte. – 2935232 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
Constable, E. E. – Gnr. – 860182 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Cooke, J. H. – Tpr. – 320779 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Cooke, C. – Tpr. – 773277 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 33
Cookson, C. K. – Dvr. – T/107764 –R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Coombes, V. – Gnr. – 889314 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Corser, R. – Pte. – 842487 – A.A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
Cory, J. G. – Rfm. – 6010372 – R.U. Rif. – R.O. No. 17

Page 34
Coupe, T. – Tpr. – 7888670 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Cox, L. – Sgt. – 863026 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Cox, V. H. J. – Pte. – 7017233 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45

Page 35
Crawford, G. A. – Tpr. – 7925716 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Creese, K. R. – L/Sgt. – 553798 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Creighton, F. A. – Dvr. – T/174857 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Creighton, F. – Pte. – 3252425 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
Cross, M. A. C. – Sgm. – 2578825 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Crouch, E. E. – Dvr. – 889399 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 36
Cumner, R. A. – Tpr. – 6086361 – R.A.C. – R.O. No.3
Cunningham, S. – Dvr. – 190011 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Curtis, A. – Dvr. – 231319 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Dakin, A. – L/Bdr. – 1034111 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 37
Dalton, J. – Sgt. – 7883309 – R.A.C. – R.O. No.3
Dance, H. – Cpl. – 65538 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Dan, W. T. – Tpr. – 7937539 – R.A.C. R.O. No. 3
Davies, J. – Gnr. – 1074052 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Davies, J. W. H. – Pte. – 1796065 – S.W.B. – 22

Page 38
Davies, R. D. – Gdsm. – 2734997 – W.G. – R.O. No. 15
Davison, W. M. – Dvr. – T/198931 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Davison, G. N. – Gnr. – 1433486 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Dawson, A. V. – Pte. – 2938088 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16

Page 39
Deakin, A. G. – Drv. – T/191370 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Dean, R. – Spr. – 2019698 – R.E. – R.O. No. 9
Dean, C. W. – Rfm. – 6922159 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Dean, B. – Q.M.S. – 7585627 – R.A.O.C. – R.O. No. 32
Dearnley, W. – Sgt. – 4275091 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Densley, E. F. G. – Drv. – 189806 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No.29
Devine, A. – Gnr. 953612 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 40
Dickson, R. S. – Gdsm. – 2659701 – C.G. – R.O. No. 12
Dickson, R. J. – Gnr. – 890150 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 41
Doney, M. W. – Bdr. – 929729 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Dorward, G. H. – Sgt. – 3605492 – Bord. – R.O. No. 18
Douglas, A. – L/Cpl. – T/150993 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Douglas, G. – Drv. – T/208262 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Douglas, D. T. A. – Bdr. – 930968 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Downing, W. – Gnr. – 1098836 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Dowson, K. R. – Tpr. – 4537537 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 5
Doyle, R. V. – Fus. – 7047770 – R. Ir. R. – R.O. No. 17
Drabwell, E. C. – Drv. – 165005 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Page 42
Drew, E. J. P. – Tpr. – 7887281 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Drum, J. – Pte. – 2935633 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
Dryhurst. J. – Drv. – 182844 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Duckworth, J. – Gnr. – 1500051 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Duff, N. K. – Rfn. – 6846122 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Duffy, J. – Pte. – 2937918 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
Duncan, W. D. – Cpl. – 3251703 – Camns. – R.O. No. 16
Dunn, L. – L/Cpl. – 549924 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 5
Dunn, S. T. – Tpr. – 7908395 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Dunton, S. W. – Rfn. – 6916874 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24

Page 43
Dye, F. A. – Spr. – 2116804 – R.E. – R.O. No. 9
Dyer, H. J. – Dvr. – T/202229 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Eaton, F. E. E. – Sgt. – 70765 – R.E.M.E. – R.O. No. 44
Eddy, M. M. – Gdsm. – 2659621 – C.G. – R.O. No. 12
Edminson, R. W. – Cpl. – 4451805 – D.L.I. – R.O. No. 20

Page 44
Edwards, E. V. – Pte. – 2059647 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
Egerton, P. T. – Sgm. – 6397716 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Eglash, I. – Pte. – 1092726 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Eley, W. – C.S.M. – 6281192 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Elliott, S. – Pte. – 6014756 – Essex – R.O. No. 23

Page 45
Etherington, J. A. W. – L/Bdr. – 1601652 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Evans, G. E. – Gnr. – 986328 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Evans, R. P. – L/Sgt. – 6284269 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23

Page 46
Farham, W. – Pte. – 5048692 – S. Staff – R.O. No. 19
Farmer, S. A. – Pte. – 3969289 – Welsh – R.O. No. 22
Farmer, T. – Sgt. – 5497403 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Fee, W. J. – Gdsm. – 2611481 – C.G. – R.O. No. 11
Fender, G. K. H. – Pte. – 6016646 – Essex – R.O. No. 21

Page 47
Ferris, H. P. E. – Tpr. – 7886783 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Ferry, T. – Pte. – 59717 – H.L.I – R.O. No. 16
Ferry, H. – Pte. – 2058005 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
File, M. J. – Dvr. – 2329402 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Fisher, W. J. – Cpl. – 5503075 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Fisher, W. C. – L/Cpl. – 7637460 – R.E.M.E. – R.O. No. 44
Fishwick, N. C. – Gnr. – 835324 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 48
Fletcher, J. T. – Pte. – T/172960 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Fletcher, J. E. L. – L/Sgt. – 1893370 – R.E. – R.O. No. 9
Flutter, T. – Pte. – 7360167 –R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Ford, J. T. – Gnr. – 1669218 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Forster, J. – Pte. – 7360122 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Foster, A. – Pte. – 4915479 – R.A.O.C. – R.O. No. 32

Page 49
Fox, J. E. – Sjt. – 7518527 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Freelove, J. – Sgm. – 2328426 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Freeman, F. C. – Pte. – 5503772 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
French, G. T. – Rfn. – 6969194 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24

Page 50
Frost, C. – Dvr. – 2578944 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10

Acronyms and Abbreviations

A. & S.H. – Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
A.A.C. – Army Air Corps
A.A.A.C. – Australian Army Aviation Corps
A.D.C. – This is an acronym for a unit name, possibly the Royal Army Dental Corps (R.A.D.C.)

B. & H. – Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
B.S.M. – Battery Sergeant-Major
Bk. Watch – Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
Bord. – Border Regiment
Brig. – Brigadier
Buffs – Royal East Kent Regiment (“The Buffs”)

C.G. – Coldstream Guards
C.S.M. – Company Sergeant Major
Cam. H.– Cameron Highlanders
Camns. – it seems likely this also refers to the Cameron Highlanders
Capt. – Captain
Cfn./Cfm. – Craftsman
Cpl. – Corporal

D.L.I. – Durham Light Infantry
Drv. – Driver
Dvr/i/c – Driver (meaning of i/c unknown)

E. Surr – East Surrey Regiment
Essex – Essex Brigade

Fus. – Fusilier

Gdsm. – Guardsman
Gn. How. – (unit name, full name unknown)
Gnr. – Gunner

Hamp. – Hampshire Regiment

K.R.R.C. – King’s Royal Rifle Corps

L/Bdr. – Lance Bombardier
L/Cpl. – Lance Corporal

P.S.M. – (rank unknown, may refer to a type of sergeant major)
Pte. – Private

Q.M.S. – Quartermaster Sergeant

R. Bde. – Rifle Brigade
R. Sigs. – Royal Signals
R.A. – Royal Artillery
R.A.C. – Royal Armoured Corps
R.A.M.C. – Royal Army Medical Corps
R.A.O.C. – Royal Army Ordnance Corps
R.A.S.C. – Royal Army Service Corps
R.E. – Royal Engineers
R.E.M.E. – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
R. Ir. R. – this may be the Royal Irish Rifles (although they became the Royal Ulster Rifles in January 1921)
R.O. – Radiotelephone Operator
R.U. Rif. – Royal Ulster Rifles
R.W.F. – Royal Welch Fusiliers

Rfn. – Rifleman

S.W.B.– South Wales Borders
S. Staff – (unit name, full name unknown)
Sgm./Sgmn. – Signalman
Sgt. – Sergeant
Sjt. – Serjeant (a variant of sergeant)
Spr. – Sapper

Tpr. – Trooper

W.G. – Welsh Guards
Welsh – may also refer to the Welsh Guards

In a letter written after the death of Andrea Scattini, Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello (Bourbon del Monte) pays tribute to his comrade’s heroism and strength of character.

Following a transcript in Italian—immediately below—is the text of the letter translated into English by Luigi Donfrancesco, Andrea’s nephew.

21 marzo 1946. Nel dopoguerra il Tenente Uguccione Ranieri (di Sorbello) Bourbon Del Monte, al quale nel frattempo è stata conferita la Medaglia d’Argento, dal suo domicilio di Roma in Via Due Macelli 31, indirizza alla Commissione per il Riconoscimento della Qualifica di Partigiano di Ancona una relazione nella quale descrive l’opera del suo collaboratore Andrea Scattini durante la guerra di liberazione:

“E’ mio dovere segnalare a codesta Commissione l’opera di un mio collaboratore, Andrea SCATTINI, morto l’8 marzo 1944 nella guerra di liberazione.

L’8 settembre 1943, fuggito dai Tedeschi a Cento (Ferrara) dove prestavo servizio, riuscii a raggiungere Termoli, allora appena liberata, dove – previo assenso del nostro Comando di Stato Maggiore – presi servizio in un Comando inglese i cui compiti, di natura riservata, si svolgevano dietro le linee in territorio nemico.

Mi si chiese di arruolare a mia discrezione un gruppo di Italiani da condurre con me in una di queste missioni. Scelsi così, tra i giovani più adatti e meglio disposti che in quei giorni giungevano attraverso le linee: Andrea Scattini, Ermanno Finocchi, Fausto Simonetti, Augusto Ruffo ed altri, tutti oggi periti per azioni di guerra. Fui assai fortunato per la scelta, per lo Scattini non meno che per gli altri.

Prima di partire per la missione principale allo Scattini fu affidata una missione breve che egli portò a termine brillantemente dietro le linee in tre giorni e tre notti di marce senza sonno con l’aiuto di una forte dose di benzedrina.

Ripartii per mare con lo Scattini ed altri in una notte di novembre e sbarcai nelle vicinanze di Cupra Marittima. Là giunto inviai in varie direzioni gli uomini ai miei ordini. Lo Scattini assolse con la dovuta meticolosità e prontezza i suoi compiti. Avendo io dovuto nel frattempo ritornare a Termoli, lo trovai sempre fedele al suo posto al mio ritorno nelle Marche il mese seguente. Gli affidai immediatamente altri e più gravi compiti che egli assolse puntualmente.

Essendosi ormai reso quasi impossibile per il sopravvenuto inverno il viaggio a Termoli per mare, mi trovai nella necessità di dovervi inviare qualcuno a piedi attraverso le linee per portare delle carte e piani che non potevano essere inviati per radio. Scelsi lo Scattini.

Anche questa volta la fortuna e il suo inesauribile spirito d’iniziativa lo assistettero ed egli giunse felicemente.

In febbraio (1944) il mio Comando di Termoli mi rimandò di nuovo lo Scattini – questa era la sesta volta che egli attraversava le linee – con importanti comunicazioni. Purtroppo, quasi subito dopo il suo arrivo egli rimase vittima in una notte buia di un tragico equivoco quando lo raggiunse la fucilata di un partigiano locale che lo aveva scambiato per un nemico. (Nota. Quindi neanche Uguccione si è reso conto di come siano andate realmente le cose).
Devo precisare che allo Scattini ho sempre affidato non solo i compiti più rischiosi, ma anche – sebbene all’8 settembre egli fosse solo un soldato di Sanità – compiti che per decisione e prestigio non si potevano dare che a un Ufficiale. Egli infatti ebbe in vari periodi il comando di interi settori della nostra organizzazione con piena autorità su altri elementi minori.

Per ardimento, per fedeltà al compito assunto e all’idea che glielo fece volontariamente assumere, per sereno e ilare sprezzo del pericolo, l’Italia può aver avuto combattenti uguali, non migliori dello Scattini.

Alla sua memoria è dovuto ogni riconoscimento dalla Patria finalmente libera da un terribile male e – speriamo – non immemore”.

Firmato:
Uguccione Ranieri Bourbon del Monte
Tenente di Complemento, Medaglia d’Argento

Apprendiamo dalla relazione di Uguccione che Andrea Scattini aveva attraversato il fronte almeno 6 volte: rischiando ogni volta, in caso di cattura, brutali interrogatori con le più atroci torture e poi fucilazione.

Translated into English:

From: Via Due Macelli 31 – Rome
March 21, 1946
To: Committee for Recognition of Partisan Qualification
ANCONA

It is my duty to report to this Committee the work of my collaborator Andrea SCATTINI, who died on March 8, 1944 in the war of liberation.

On September 8, 1943 I was serving [in the Italian Army] in Cento (Ferrara). I had fled the Germans and was able to reach Termoli [on the Adriatic coast], then just liberated. With assent of our Army Command, I took service in a British Commando, whose functions—of a confidential nature—were taking place behind the lines in enemy territory.

I was asked to enlist, at my discretion, a group of Italians to accompany me on one of these missions. I chose from among the most suitable and willing young men who in those days had come through the lines: Andrea SCATTINI, Ermanno FINOCCHI, Fausto SIMONETTI, Augusto RUFFO, and others—all now dead by acts of war. I was very lucky in the choice of SCATTINI, no less than for the others.

Before leaving for the main mission, SCATTINI was entrusted with a brief mission, which he carried out brilliantly behind the lines in 3 days and 3 nights in the Marche without sleep, due to the help of a strong dose of Benzedrine.

I started by sea with SCATTINI and others on a November [1943] night and landed near Cupra Marittima (Ascoli Piceno, Marche). Having arrived there, I sent in various directions the men under my command.

SCATTINI performed his tasks with necessary thoroughness and promptness. Meantime I had to go back to Termoli, and when I returned to the Marche the following month, I found him ever faithful in his place. I immediately entrusted to him other and more serious tasks, which he carried out exactly.

As winter made it almost impossible to reach Termoli by sea, I found it would be necessary to send someone on foot through the lines to bring maps and plans that could not be sent by radio. I chose SCATTINI. This time too, good fortune and his inexhaustible spirit of initiative helped him, and he arrived safely.

In February (1944), my Command in Termoli sent SCATTINI back to me—this was the sixth time he had crossed the lines—with important communications. Unfortunately, almost immediately after his arrival, he was the victim in a dark night of a tragic error, when he was reached by the shot of a local partisan who had mistaken him for an enemy.

I must point out that I always entrusted to SCATTINI not only the riskiest tasks, but also—even though on September 8 he was just a soldier in the Medical Corps—tasks that for decisiveness and prestige would only be entrusted to an Officer. In fact, he held at various times the command of whole sectors of our organization with full authority over other subordinate members.

For daring, for faithfulness to the charge taken and to the ideal that made him voluntarily take it, for calm and cheerful disregard of danger, Italy may have had combatants equal to, but not better than, SCATTINI.

To his memory is due recognition by his Country, which is finally free from a terrible evil and—we hope—not unmindful [of his sacrifice].

In faith,
Uguccione RANIERI Bourbon del Monte
Adjunct Lieutenant, Silver Medal

This memorial card for Andrea Scattini reads, “Scattini Andrea di Vincenzo / Studente in Medicina / nato a San Vito Chietino il 17-5-1917 / morto a Force l’8-3-1944” [Student of Medicine / born in San Vito Chietino on May 17, 1917 / died in Force on March 8, 1944].

For more on Andrea Scattini, see “Andrea Scattini—Youthful I.S.9 Agent.”

For more on Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello, see “I.S.9 Captain Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello.”

The back and front of J. Boyd’s military-issue spoon

Recently I received a surprise note from Geoff Sidlow, who lives in the U.K.

Geoff wrote, “I have come across a spoon on a car boot sale. The spoon has a number on it, 845371 RA.

“I have found the name J Boyd Gnr [in “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers A–B“], but nothing else.

“All I can find out is that he was in camp 59 in Italy. I was wondering if you could point me in the direction to find any other details. I am really interested in these guys.”

I wrote back to explain I don’t have additional information on J. Boyd.

My late friend Brian Sims provided me with a number of P.G. 59 POWs’ repatriation reports, but unfortunately J. Boyd’s is not among them.

The inside and back of the spoon’s bowl show considerable wear and deformity, as if it had been used as a tool of sorts.

Did this spoon accompany British Gunner J. Boyd in combat, capture, and camp internment, finally to return home to England?

If you have further background about J. Boyd, I would very much like to hear from you. Please email hill@iu.edu.

J. Boyd’s service number and “RA” for Royal Artillery stamped onto the front of the spoon

In “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers A–B” and “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers C–F” I explained how in 2013 researcher Brian Sims gave me access to a booklet entitled Italy: Imperial Prisoners of War Alphabetical List, Section 1, British Army.

The Alphabetical List contains the names of thousands of British prisoners of war interned in Italian camps, apparently compiled in 1942 or the spring of 1943.

Below is a list of soldiers G–J who were documented as P.G. 59 internees.

A key to acronyms and abbreviations follows the list.

Page 50
Galbraith, A. G. – L/Cpl. – 7012422 – R.U. Rif. – R.O. No. 17
Gale, E. H. – Pte. – 319191 – A.C.C. – R.O. No. 41
Galpin, F. A. – Dvr. – T/217760 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Game, B. C. – Pte. – 7519476 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Gardiner, R. E. – Pte. – 6299294 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Gardner, E. F. – L/Cpl. – 6283794 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Gardner, F. A. – Rfn. – 6912865 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24

Page 51
Gargett, E. – Sjt. – 7357206 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Garraway, J. – Gnr. – 4276657 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Gauld, K. – Tpr. – 319448 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Geeson, V. C. – Tpr. – 7888195 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Gibson, A. – Gdsm. – 2569934 – S.G. – R.O. No. 13
Gibson, R. – C.Q.M.S. – 2695323 – S.G. – R.O. No. 13

Page 52
Gibson, K. R. – L/Cpl. – 7900168 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Giesen, S. R. – Rfn. – 6915311 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Gileney, R. – Tpr. – 7907190 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Gilfillan, J. – Gdsm. – 2696710 – S.G. – R.O. No. 13
Gill, F. T. – Gdsm. – 2653419 – C. G. – R.O. No. 12
Gilmore, T. – Pte. – 7518529 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Gledhill, P. – Pte. – 4615488 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
Gleed, P.H. – Rfn. – 6896952 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Glynn, R. W. – Pte. – 2937936 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16

Page 53
Gollop, R. E. – Sgt. – 7586544 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Goodwin, A. F. – Gnr. – 1477903 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6

Page 54
Gowland, F. – Tpr. – 7903244 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Grant, K. – Sgm. – 2363556 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Gray, W. H. – Dvr. – 227696 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Gray, A. – L/Sgt. – 847994 – R.A. – R.O. No.5
Gray, A. J. W. – Pte. – 7266124 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Green, W. – Gnr. – 831810 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 55
Green, D. S. – Rfn. – 6848842 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Greening, A. – Drv. – T/164039 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Greenlees, A. – L/Cpl. – 6141998 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Greenshields, J. Mac. – Bdr. – 860452 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Greenslade, C. H. – Drv. – 4757913 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Greenwood, T. H. – Gnr. – 1610003 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Gregory, E. – Gnr. – 155928 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Gresty, N. F. – Sgm. – 2576624 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Griffiths, I. G. – Rfn. – 6897777 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24

Page 56
Groves, J. – Sjt. – 777836 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Gubb, H. E. – Rfn. – 6917175 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Guiver, D. F. – Pte. – 6022242 – Essex – R.O. No. 21
Gurney, S. H. – Sjt. – 6146945 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Gwynne, S. D. – Dvr. – T/204340 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Hackley, F. W. – Gnr. – 1142733 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 57
Hall, L. G. – Drv. – 138285 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Hall, A. J. – Pte. – 817955 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Hall, A. – Tpr. – 7935305 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Hallam, R. W. – Rfn. – 6845138 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Hamilton, J. – Pte. – 2937948 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
Hamlin, R. F. – L/Cpl. – 5728209 – Dorset – R.O. No. 22
Hanby, J. – Gnr. – 1781586 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Hancock, R. J. – Drv. – T/198634 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Hancock, H. F. – Drv. – 5497138 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23

Page 58
Hann, D. V. – Pte. – 5510100 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Hanslip, W. C. – Pte. – 5502412 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Harding, F. A. – Cpl. – T/103122 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Hardy, B. H. – Pte. – 5350835 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Hardwick, C. – Pte. – 6021845 – Essex – R.O. No. 21
Hardy, J. W. – L/Cpl. – 5507656 – Hamp. Rgt. – R.O. No. 23
Hargreaves, S. J. – Sjt. – 1473341 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Harmsworth, H. J. – Gnr. – 978783 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 59
Harris, A. C. – Pte. – 6013079 – Essex – R.O. No. 21
Harris, S. G. – Pte. – 7520059 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Harrison, A. J. – Drv. – 242057 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Harrison, E. A. – Tpr. – 7905194 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Harvey, W. – Gnr. – 1079060 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Harvey, T. – Pte. – 4802188 – D.L.I. – R.O. No. 20
Harvey, L. – S.S.M. – 7880179 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 60
Hatcher, W. F. – Bdr. – 838298 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Hatfield, J. – Drv. – 2005604 – R.E. – R.O. No. 9
Hayes, C. A. – Pte. – 7346440 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Haynes, C. S. – L/Cpl. – 6846801 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Hearne, W. – Pte. – 6913637 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24

Page 61
Hegarty, T. W. – R.S.M. – 545687 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Henderson, L. – Drv. – 857481 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Herridge, H. F. – Pte. – 5500454 – Hamp. – R.O. No.23
Hesketh, S. C. – Sgm – 2350330 – R. Sigs – R.O. No. 10

Page 62
Hibbert, A. – Drv. – T/74223 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Hickling, E. – Gnr. – 805727 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Higgins, H. – Gnr. – 1517294 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Higham, J. S. – Gnr. – 1098221 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Hill, J. – Drv. – 255418 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No.29
Hill, H. J. – Gnr. – 1770382 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Hills, A. P. – C.S.M. – 6282122 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Hilton, W. – Gnr. – 1567671 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6

Page 63
Hird, G. – Sjt. – 2657663 – C.G. – R.O. No. 12
Hirst, J. – Sgt. – 4610054 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Hissey, W. E. – Rfn. – 6916989 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Hitchens, A. E. – Sgt. – 5496173 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Hoare, A. – Pte. – 6023697 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Hobden, A. – Gnr. – 1137848 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Hobrow, R. H. – Drv. – T/181290 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Hodges, A. – Pte. – 6022933 – Essex – R.O. No. 21
Hoe, F. – Drv. – T/184810 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Hogben, A. S. – Sgt. – 2974016 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 23

Page 64
Holley, M. J. – Tpr. – 7904833 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Hollingsworth, J. A. – Rfn. – 6913254 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Holloway, A. T. – Cpl. – 5494197 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Homes, H. – L/Bdr. – 6212410 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Hopcroft, S. – Gnr. – 1482642 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Hopkinson, A. – Pte. – S/1463598 – R.S.A.C. – R.O. No. 29

Page 65
Horseman, K. – Rfn. – 6915329 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Hough, S. – Gnr. – 1142731 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Houlihan, C. – Sjt. – 7885102 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Howarth, F. – Gdsm. – 2616399 – G.G. – R.O. No. 11
Howley, T. J. – Tpr. – 7911008 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 66
Hoy, J. – Pte. – 6216103 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
Hoy, D. J. – C.Q.M.S. – 6281602 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Hubby, T. – L/Cpl. – 2655798 – C.G. – R.O. No. 12
Hughes, M. E. – Pte. – 2606248 – Manch. – R.O. No. 18
Hughes, J. – Sjt. – 2695266 – S.G. – R.O. No. 13

Page 67
Hunt, R. J. – Pte. – 5503562 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Hunt, E. – L/Cpl. – 5723480 – R.A.O.C. – R.O. No. 32
Hunter, A. – Dvr/i/c/ – 1493817 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Hunter, J. – S.S.M. – 4120244 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Hunter, H. J. – Tpr. – 7918617 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Huxtable, J. D. – Tpr. – 7890155 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Hyndman, J. – L/Sjt. – 556570 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Ingram, W. A. – Sjt. – 3960520 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 68
Ireland, G. – P.S.M. – 6280742 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Ironside, F. J. – Gnr. – 865181 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Isaac, W. – Drv. – T/4758172 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Jackson, G. T. – L/Cpl. – 4276843 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
Jackson, F. R. – Tpr. – 7888771 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
James, A. R. – Gnr. – 1568410 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
James, R. B. – Pte. – 5492784 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
James, F. W. – L/Cpl. – 6846119 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
James, F. C. – Sjt. – 7887005 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 69
Jay, G. W. – Tpr. – 7912858 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Jenkins, A. W. – Gnr. – 1653209 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Jenkins, H. – Rfn. – 6844959 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24

Page 70
Johnson, C. W. – Tpr. – 7910004 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Johnston, M. P. – Gnr. – 940890 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Jones, I. – Drv. – T/177889 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Jones, H. L. – Sjt. – 321616 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Jones, T. – Q.M.S. 1020631 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 71
Jones, W. – Pte. – 3966447 – Welch – R.O. No. 22
Jones, H. G. – Gnr. – 3971025 – R.A – R.O. No. 5
Jones, F. – Cpl. – 5948332 – B. & H. – R.O. No. 21
Jones, A. W. D. H. – L/Cpl. – 6914505 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Jones, F. E. – Pte. – 7261183 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Jones, B. K. – Tpr. – 7888188 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Jones, J. H. – Tpr. 7903962 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Jones, M. Lloyd- – Tpr. – 7904520 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Jordan, G. D. – Gnr. – 914010 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Jowett, J. B. – Tpr. – 6399082 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Joy, H. D. – L/Cpl. – 6016853 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Acronyms and Abbreviations

A. & S.H. – Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
A.A.C. – Army Air Corps
A.A.A.C. – Australian Army Aviation Corps
A.C.C. – (unit unknown)
A.D.C. – This is an acronym for a unit name, possibly the Royal Army Dental Corps (R.A.D.C.)

B. & H. – Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
B.S.M. – Battery Sergeant-Major
Bdr. – Bombardier
Bk. Watch – Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
Bord. – Border Regiment
Brig. – Brigadier
Buffs – Royal East Kent Regiment (“The Buffs”)

C.G. – Coldstream Guards
C.Q.M.S. – Company Quartermaster Sergeant
C.S.M. – Company Sergeant Major
Cam. H.– Cameron Highlanders
Camns. – it seems likely this also refers to the Cameron Highlanders
Capt. – Captain
Cfn./Cfm. – Craftsman
Cpl. – Corporal

D.L.I. – Durham Light Infantry
Dorset – Dorset Regiment
Drv. – Driver
Dvr/i/c – Driver (meaning of i/c unknown)

E. Surr. – East Surrey Regiment
Essex – Essex Brigade

Fus. – Fusilier

G.G. – Grenadier Guards
Gdsm. – Guardsman
Gn. How. – (unit name, full name unknown)
Gnr. – Gunner

Hamp. – Hampshire Regiment

K.R.R.C. – King’s Royal Rifle Corps

L/Bdr. – Lance Bombardier
L/Cpl. – Lance Corporal

Manch. – Manchester Regiment

P.S.M. – (rank unknown, may refer to a type of sergeant major)
Pte. – Private

Q.M.S. – Quartermaster Sergeant

R. Bde. – Rifle Brigade
R. Sigs. – Royal Signals
R.A. – Royal Artillery
R.A.C. – Royal Armoured Corps
R.A.M.C. – Royal Army Medical Corps
R.A.O.C. – Royal Army Ordnance Corps
R.A.S.C. – Royal Army Service Corps
R.E. – Royal Engineers
R.E.M.E. – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
R. Ir. R. – this may be the Royal Irish Rifles (although they became the Royal Ulster Rifles in January 1921)
R.O. – Radiotelephone Operator
R.U. Rif. – Royal Ulster Rifles
R.W.F. – Royal Welch Fusiliers

Rfn. – Rifleman

S.G. – Scots Guards
S.S.M. – unit name unknown
S.W.B.– South Wales Borders
S. Staff – (unit name, full name unknown)
Sgm./Sgmn. – Signalman
Sgt. – Sergeant
Sjt. – Serjeant (a variant of sergeant)
Spr. – Sapper

Tpr. – Trooper

W.G. – Welsh Guards
Welsh/Welch – may also refer to the Welsh Guards

SITREP [Situation Report] for November 3–4, 1943

Two years ago my friend researcher Brian Sims sent me a series of I.S.9 rescue operation diaries and situation reports from 1943–44 that he had copied in the British National Archives.

These documents give a detailed day-to-day (in some cases hour-to-hour) account of I.S.9 rescues of escaped POWs and evaders.

Recently, I shared these reports with Dr. Luigi DONFRANCESCO, nephew of I.S.9 agent Andrea Scattini.

He has transcribed the reports and added clarifications and additional information. Here is the first of a series of these document transcriptions that I will add to this site over the next several weeks.

I am grateful to Luigi for his careful attention to these documents.

NOV. 3

0630 – Maj. SCRATCHLEY returned with 2 officers and 12 ORs [other ranks] of the SAS [Special Air Service] who had been landed previously to conduct sabotage.

1030 – Capt. ROBB returned in LCI [Landing Craft Infantry] having landed party of 4 Agents.

[Note from Luigi Donfrancesco. The four agents were: Uguccione RANIERI di Sorbello; Catholic Priest “Don” Domenico ORLANDINI (cover name “Carlo”); Ermanno FINOCCHI; and Andrea SCATTINI. From TERMOLI, they were landed at CUPRA MARITTIMA in the night of November 2, 1943. In her Diaries (published by Alessandro Perini) “Babka” says they arrived at 2:30 a.m. on November 3 at “Villa Boccabianca” (property of Count Zeno Vinci, Babka’s husband, and base of the “RATBERRY LINE – RAT LINE”), joining there Agent Fausto SIMONETTI, who was previously landed with “GUIDO” on October 22 and who had been waiting for them since October 29].

1030 – Maj. SYMES arrived in small fishing boat with one PW [prisoner of war] – (details attached), 2 ITALIAN naval officers (details attached) and 7 SAS [Special Air Service] ORs [other ranks].

1200 – Report received that MS boat [moto-silurante, or MAS (motoscafo armato silurante), torpedo motorboat] with [U.S. Army Air Force] Capt. [Richard W. B.] LEWIS and [French-British] Capt. RAYMOND LEE [COURAUD, commander of the “French Squad” of 2nd Special Air Service] party who sailed evening 2 Nov for SILVI was off TERMOLI in sinking condition and that help had been sent.

1800 – Maj. [John Francis] FILLINGHAM sails with MS to r.v. (rendezvous, appointment, or encounter] at River ALENTO [south of River PESCARA, just north of FRANCAVILLA] to meet Airborne Div [Division] signalers and P/Ws (Prisoners of War).

1800 – 4 boatmen – MAESTRANGOLO [MASTRANGELO] Italo, CORNELI Carmene [Carmine], PACCHIONO Rimaldo [Rinaldo] and MAZZONI Tommassio [Tommaso], all of SILVI, sail for SILVI to rescue 10 P/Ws [prisoners of war] known by them to be hiding in farm buildings.

NOV. 4

0630 – Maj. FILLINGHAM returned having kept pre-arranged r.v.s. [rendezvous] at River ALENTO and River VERMANO without success – no signals given. On return [of] MS put into SILVI to investigate disappearance of MS which kept r.v. [rendezvous] night 2 Nov. and attempt to contact Capt. LEWIS and Capt. RAYMOND-LEE – no signals seen, weather and heavy sea preventing any landing to recce [reconnaissance] area.

First page of the progress report issued on November 13, 1943

The transcription and notes in this post are by Dr. Luigi Donfrancesco, nephew of I.S.9 agent Andrea Scattini. Access to the two progress reports (from the British National Archives) was courtesy of researcher Brian Sims.

Following the September 8, 1943 Armistice, German Divisions promptly invaded Italy and took control of the military situation. In October 1943, from among the many who did not want to collaborate with the Germans, six Italian patriots reached the Allied lines of the 8th Army in just-liberated TERMOLI (Campobasso, Molise).
They were immediately enrolled as agents in the “A” FORCE (I.S.9, or Intelligence School 9, called “A” Force on that front) and assigned to the No. 5 FIELD SECTION, operating in the east along the Adriatic coast.

The six men formed group “RATBERRY SECTION A” of No. 5 FIELD SECTION, under the command of Intelligence Captain Andrew ROBB, who was from New Zealand.

The six original “RATBERRY” agents, often referred to as “the RATBERRY Boys,” were:

1) Hugh/Ugo – Uguccione RANIERI – age 37 – (born 1906 in Florence). Lieutenant, Italian Army; Count of Sorbello – Bourbon del Monte; from Perugia. As he was the eldest, highest in military rank, and was perfectly Italian-English bilingual, he served as the head of the group.

2) “Don” Domenico ORLANDINI, age 30 (born 1913 in Poiano di Villa Minozzo, Reggio Emilia). A Catholic priest; cover name “Carlo.”

3) Ermanno FINOCCHI – age unknown – (“Marina Velica”? – Navy Sailing?); from Grottammare, Ascoli Piceno. Nephew of “Colonel Dolfi” (Gustavo Dolfi, Captain of the Merchant Navy and chief partisan of San Benedetto del Tronto).

4) Andrea SCATTINI – age 26 – (born 1917 in Marina San Vito, Chieti, Abruzzo). Student in Medicine and Surgery. Soldier in the Medical Corps of Italian Army at Celio Military Hospital, Rome.

5) Fausto SIMONETTI – age 23 – (born 1920 in Palmiano di Venarotta, Ascoli Piceno). Student in Medicine and Surgery. Soldier (perhaps in the Medical Corps) of Italian Air Force.

6) “GUIDO” (surname unknown). From TERMOLI, Fausto SIMONETTI and GUIDO were landed at CUPRA MARITTIMA (Ascoli Piceno, Marche) on October 22, 1943.

The other four were landed at CUPRA MARITTIMA on November 2, 1943, and joined Fausto SIMONETTI at Villa Vinci-Boccabianca, one of the main bases of the “RATBERRY Line” (or “RAT-LINE”), used to rescue ex prisoners of war.

Don Domenico ORLANDINI proceeded to his area near Reggio Emilia and returned by Christmas with 11 prisoners of war. He embarked with them at MARTINSICURO (Teramo) on January 6, 1944 and arrived in TERMOLI on January 7, 1944.

The other five agents remained in the Marche, from where they rescued and evacuated (initially by sea, later by land) many prisoners of war. In the following November 4–13 and November 14–21, 1943 progress reports of No. 5 FIELD SECTION, Captain ROBB reports four successful boatloads of POWs carried out by agents of team “RATBERRY SECTION A”].

Here are a few abbreviations that occur several times in the reports:

78 Div. – 78th Division
c.o.d. — perhaps Combat Operations Division, Current Operation Division, or Call of Duty
Div. HQ – Division Headquarters
Eight Indian Div. or 8 Ind. Div. – Eighth Indian Division
ex-P/Ws – ex Prisoners of War
HQ – Headquarters
Ops. – operators or operations
r.v.s. or r.v. – rendezvous, appointments, or encounters
Sec. – section

PROGRESS REPORT FROM No. 5 FIELD SECTION – 13 NOV 1943.

Nov. 4. – A sailing boat, bringing 5 ex-P/Ws, arrived [at] TERMOLI from SAN BENEDETTO [del Tronto]. This ‘coup’ [bel colpo, colpo maestro, mossa brillante] had been successfully organised by Agent FAUSTO [SIMONETTI], of this Section [No. 5], originally landed [at CUPRA MARITTIMA] Oct. 22 [1943], one of the six Agents who were working as a team (see Plan RATBERRY Section “A”). They were guided by FAUSTO and accompanied by two helpers. They brought a letter from FAUSTO assuring me that all had arrived safely, arranged r.v.s. had been kept, and the Plan was going ahead. Good prospects are assured. The two helpers will be returned to FAUSTO, as soon as possible.

[On page 83 of her Diaries (I Diari Di Babka 1943–1944 Aristocrazia Antifascista E Missioni Segrete, published by Alessandro Perini, 2007], “Babka” says that Fausto SIMONETTI, having embarked from San Benedetto del Tronto on November 2 with his group of POWs (the 1st boatload), returned to Villa Vinci (Cupra Marittima] to meet the other four agents who were expected from TERMOLI (Uguccione RANIERI, Ermanno FINOCCHI, Andrea SCATTINI and Don Domenico ORLANDINI). After several delays due to various difficulties, they were finally landed by Captain ROBB in the night of November 2 and arrived at Villa Vinci at 2:30 a.m. on November 3].

Nov. 6. – I took over officially from Col. WHYTE, and Section 5 now covers a 2 Divisional Front, Eight Indian Div. and 78 Div., moved to SAN FELICE [DEL MOLISE].

Nov. 7. – Contacted Capt. BRYANT, 8 Ind. Div., also Signals [Royal Signals]. Got latest ‘dope’ on how things are done, and got details re [regarding] latest arrivals. Pte. [Private] JAMES WELLS followed the popular route, towards PALMOLI, passing through the hands of no fewer than 9 Helpers en route. Other ex-P/Ws tell of help by Parachutists, i.e. [id est, that is] Maps, money, etc.

Nov. 8. – “POP”, a well trained Agent [unknown], sent off across the lines, taking with him the two helpers who accompanied the five ex-P/Ws from SAN BENEDETTO. Contacted Intelligence Representatives of 78 Div. en route to 78 Div. HQ. On his advice, the Div. HQ being then on the move, did not go on, as nothing was likely to be accomplished. Sent on message by him to G.111 (I) Capt. BIRD.

Nov. 9. – Another Agent, has already done a job, sent over to contact “POP”. HQ, 8 Ind. Div. moved forward to FURCI.

During 9, 10, and 11 Nov. on the 8 Ind. Div. roads was almost impossible owing to the weather. Six hour halts were the usual thing, owing to the diversions being almost impossible, the roads being choked up with transport, in one case a 12 hr. block was experienced. I decided that it was better to be forward of Div. HQ and work across, so moved from PALMOLI to CUPELLO.

Nov. 12. – 2 Agents sent off from FURCE [FURCI], on the c.o.d. basis. Ex-P/Ws are passing through this Div. Front at a steady pace. The majority have been given help on the other side. 44 have checked in since Nov. 7.

Nov. 13. – GALLEO [Emilio GALEO], Agent making his 11th trip, sent off. This man does not work with directions given, but goes off on his own to his own contacts on the other side.

Returned to TERMOLI.

My chief Agent HUGH [Uguccione RANIERI di Sorbello], head of the Original Six put in at CUPRA MARITIMA [MARITTIMA] [two on October 22, and four on November 2], reported back with full account of activities, Plan RATBERRY Section “A” and bringing with him 18 ex-P/Ws, 3 Helpers, and the following story.

[They sailed from SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO in the fishing schooner (“peschereccio”) MARIA with a second boatload of POWs, and arrived at TERMOLI at 8 a.m. on November 13, 1943.]

“Following successful get-away of the five ex-P/Ws on Nov. 4 [the first boatload successfully organized by Agent Fausto SIMONETTI, see above], it was decided to try it again. To keep 2 sailing vessels, which were about to sail, in abeyance, ERMANNO [FINOCCHI], one of my original 6, circulated the rumour that fishing vessels arriving at British Occupied Ports without some British P/W, were suspect. This had the desired result, and a promise was extracted to wait until the night of Nov. 8. FAUSTO [SIMONETTI], another of the six, set off to round up the ex P/Ws. HUGH and ERMANNO also set off, with HUGH’s brother [Lodovico RANIERI] and a friend [Gianni DA CAMPO] to round up some more.

In spite of the usual difficulties; local persuasion; distrust, etc., eleven more got on the move. A march of 45 miles was successfully accomplished and a hide-out found; here the “Brother” [Lodovico RANIERI] arrived with nine more [a total of 20]. Agent FAUSTO [SIMONETTI] never turned up. The group came to SAN BENEDETTO by night and conducted to the beach in order to be sent to the harbour in small groups. Unfortunately firing broke out just at the moment. Panic among the ex-P/Ws was avoided but the boat crew had vanished. The get away therefore was abandoned for that night.

Next day another group of [seven] ex P/W arrived, sent by ANDREA [SCATTINI], [another] of the original 6, from further up the coast, the number was now 27, no word came from FAUSTO [SIMONETTI].

Then followed days of anxiety. On Nov. 11, five discouraged ex P/Ws left to attempt crossing the lines. Finally HUGH, contacted an Italian Naval Captain, and together they finally persuaded a skeleton crew to attempt the get-away. Meantime a few more ex P/Ws had disappeared. The town was entered at dusk greatly aided by the fact that British planes were overhead and all the town’s people had taken cover. The motor fishing boat was boarded, the anchor was abandoned, as hauling it in would be too noisy, and the exit from the harbor was made in absolute quiet. The rest of the journey was uneventful, except for the jubilation of the ex P/Ws, and they arrived safely at “TERMOLI”. The course was approximately 14 miles from the coast.

FUTURE INTENTIONS.

This operation, carried out by the RATBERRY SEC. “A” No. 5 Field Section, proves that the “putting in” of a complete working team into an area known to them, is fully justified. Similar “coups” will be attempted, but the main plan of land evacuation will be pushed. To further this, HUGH will return Nov. 15 to this area and continue working with the other five, and their helpers. The Naval Captain [Italian] who assisted this last coup, will, as he is well known to many local fishermen on the coast, continue to organize boats and conduct the ex P/Ws to TERMOLI.

(sd) [signed] A. ROBB Captain.
No. 5 Field Section.

MOST SECRET
PROGRESS REPORT – No. 5 FIELD SECTION – NOV. 14–21, 1943

Nov 14/15: Following arrival of the 2nd boatload of ex P/Ws on 13th Nov., HUGH gave me the picture of what is happening inside in my area. Two of the original six agents put in have lost contact. From Oct. 22 nothing has been heard of GUIDO, but HUGH is of the opinion that he will turn up eventually. The other missing agent FAUSTO, also will put in an appearance sooner or later. We have recent reports re [regarding] his activities. The original idea, following HUGH’s arrival was that he should return immediately, but it was decided to wait 24 hrs., to tighten up at this end.

Nov. 16: Beach Party (HUGH, the Naval Captain and two others) left TERMOLI to be “put in” at CULPARA [CUPRA, MARITTIMA], the weather being considered suitable. With the arrival of McGIBBON LEWIS, from ALGIERS, the RATBERRY PLAN was re-opened. It was decided, as I had already agents operating in my area, it would be better if I remained at this end of the RATLINE, W/T [wireless telegraphy] being limited to two sets, and this side of the front being already short of personnel. In fact that I should continue working on the two Div. Front. The original RATBERRY to go on.

Nov. 17: Beach party returned, unable to land owing to bad weather. This, at the time seemed fortunate as all interested could discuss furthering RATBERRY. All Sections would now be ‘put in’ together. Left TERMOLI for 78 Div. front.

Nov. 17/18: 78 Div. front. Visited Div. H.Q. – Bde and Bn H.Qs. [Brigade and Battalion Headquarters]. Having discussed the various problems of dealing with ex P/Ws [ex Prisoners of War] and agents penetrating, went on to see the officer responsible for handling the bodies and was informed by him that as he had run out of pro-formas, he was interrogating ex P/Ws only regarding ‘G’ Intelligence information. This was what I already had suspected, however he has promised to re-adjust the Questionnaire method.

The G.III (I) at Div. H.Q. is most helpful, and certainly does all he can to help me.

Nov. 19: The 3rd boat load of ex P/Ws arrived at TERMOLI in all numbering 21 persons, including 2 paras [paratroopers]. This boat load had been collected and dispatched by Agent ERMANNO [FINOCCHI], from SAN BENEDETTO. Full list of ex P/Ws has been sent on from TERMOLI by Capt. FOWLER. The plan and route were the same as the two previous boatloads, and there was absolutely no hitch. Food and rest provided for all the ex P/Ws on route, and they were in high spirits on arrival.

Got the story from the ex P/Ws, also some helpful devices for gaining the trust and confidence of others, still remaining behind in the area (e.g. the torn prison chit, which when presented will fit the other half retained by remaining P/Ws). This sort of thing is being fully exploited where possible.

Nov. 20: The 4th boat load arrived with ex P/Ws numbering 11. The guide GIANNI [DA CAMPO, from Venice] supplied by ERMANNO [FINOCCHI], arrived but went at once to hospital. The M.O. [Medical Officer] in the party [an ex P/W] said that GIANNI had a temperature of 102 [102 Fahrenheit = 38,9 Centigrade] when they started across country. He brought them to the beach, but by that time he was already in a bad state muttering in delirium “I must get them down now, I must get them down now”. He is in a B/M [British Military] Hospital with jaundice and suspected malaria. I mention this to give you some idea of the help we are getting.

[Ermanno FINOCCHI did not embark and remained in the Marche. In her Diaries (page 90 of Alessandro Perini’s book) “Babka” says that, after the 3rd and 4th boatloads of POWs, Ermanno went to Villa Vinci – Boccabianca (Cupra Marittima) on November 21, and again on November 22. She also says that Nino PETTENELLO left with the 3rd boat load, while his friend Gianni DA CAMPO, ill, left with the 4th boatload. As university students, they were due to serve in the “Fascist Militia” or be brought to Germany, so they escaped from Venice to reach the Italian troops of General Badoglio in the south. Babka says (on pages 65–66 of the book) the two young men arrived at Villa Vinci on the evening of October 8, just when Uguccione RANIERI “di Sorbello”, Babka’s father Colonel Giorgio VICINO PALLAVICINO, Carlo WINSPEARE, Dino PHILIPSON, and Roberto BONDI were leaving to embark for San Benedetto del Tronto. Indeed the “5 Argonauts” were able to sail and reach the Allied lines at TREMITI islands and TERMOLI; Nino PETTENELLO and Giovanni DA CAMPO, who followed them, could not embark and had to return to Villa Vinci].

The ex P/Ws on this boat were full of praise for the way everything worked. It took only 8 1/2 hrs with one break, food and rest, from their last hideout en route to boat sailing. They also brought with them a marked map of the coastal defences of interest to “G” Ops. A list of names of this party has already been sent on. RATBERRY Party still await permission to sail.

Nov. 21: RATBERRY still postponed. TERMOLI, Papers, reports and Jeep trouble.

A. ROBB, Capt. – No 5 Field Section.

The transcription and notes in this post are by Dr. Luigi Donfrancesco, nephew of I.S.9 agent Andrea Scattini. Access to the war diary (from the British National Archives) was courtesy of researcher Brian Sims.

WAR DIARY OR INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY [probably from BARI].

November 17–20, 1943

Summary of Events and Information

NOV 17 – Capt. HUNTER returns from TERMOLI. COMDR. [Commander] HOLDSWORTH and MAJOR HEWITT of SOE [Special Operation Executive] call. Lt. Col. [Lieutenant Colonel] BROWN from AFHQ [Air Force or Allied Force Headquarters] arranging for a signal to be sent to TITO – Yugo-Slav Partisan Leader for information about LIEUTS. [Lieutenant] FALVEY’S party. Guide who brought in two BRIGADIERS to 15th Army Group sent to “N” Section for dispatch to TERMOLI. At TERMOLI HUGO [Uguccione RANIERI “di Sorbello”] and party return having failed to reach GRATTAMMARE [GROTTAMMARE] owing to weather.

NOV 18 – Major BARHAM interviews Capt. BENELLO – Italian Army – to arrange supply of Agents. Capt. LOSCO leaves TERMOLI in a fishing smack for CIVITANOVA [Marche, north of Grottammare].

NOV 19 – Capt. HUNTER and FORK [I.S.9 agent] go to TERMOLI with money. Captains DE HAY and McINTOSH of ISSU [perhaps Information Systems Security Unit] 6 called to discuss problems of mutual interest. CAPT. BENELLO is empowered by Italian Commando Supremo [Supreme Command] to find 25 Italian soldiers to be used as Agents. Fishing smack returns to TERMOLI having successfully landed Capt. LOSCO. Naval programme prevents RATBERRY party leaving. Smack [“peschereccio”] arrives from BENEDETTO [San Benedetto del Tronto] with 20 ex P/Ws [ex-prisoners of war], HUGO [Uguccione RANIERI] and Capt. POWER S.A.S. [Special Air Service]

[This is a third boatload, see “I.S.9 War Diary—November 17–20, 1943.”]

NOV 20 – LUSSIN Island reported by ISSU 6 [see above] to be in German hands. Major FILLINGHAM returns from TERMOLI with Capt. HUNTER, Private HOWES and 1 pig, three turkeys and fish. Fishing smack [“peschereccio”] arrives at TERMOLI with 10 ex P/Ws aboard, another part of HUGO’s evacuation [fourth boatload]. Capt. SOAMES reports 73 ex P/Ws brought in by his guides. Total “A” Force rescues since 8 Sept. 43 in ITALY number 1,004.

Two chits on which British soldiers recorded their names and addresses

My friend Anne Copley is researching two situations of Italians providing assistance to escaped prisoners of war.

Anne wrote, “Local Italians are producing ancient pieces of paper with names and addresses” that have been kept since the Second World War.

Query One

The first query came to her from Giordiano Viozzi. Giordiano shared three documents:

Two scraps of paper with names and addresses written on them, and an Alexander Certificate issued to Oreste Belleggia for his assistance to escaped POWs.

The addresses on the scraps of paper are:

Ronald P. Holmes, Esq.
16, Crundale Avenue
Kingsbury, London, N.W. 9
England/Inghilterra

(On this paper is also written some simple notes about Italian pronunciation.)

George Hart
32 Lynn Street
Oldham
England

Anne asked Giordiano if he knows who sheltered the men. He replied:

“Chi li salvó si chiama Oreste Belleggia, era di Piane di Falerone. La Striaci è stata raccontata da sua figlia, anziana ma molto in gamba! Oreste era un esponente molto importante dei partigiani di zona.”

“The person who saved them was Oreste Belleggia, from Piane di Falerone. The story was recounted by his daughter, elderly but still very spry! Oreste was a very important partisan in the area.”

The Alexander Certificate issued to Oreste Belleggia

Query Two

The second query came from Paolo Giunta La Spada:

“1943. Domenico Serafini ha tre figli: Pietro, Filomena e Maria. Abita sulla strada per Garulla, nei pressi di Amandola. Siamo nel novembre del 1943 e, al mercato di Amandola, Domenico incontra un soldato inglese che gli chiede soccorso. 


“Lo ospita in casa. Il soldato ha le gambe malate. Le testimonianze fin qui raccolte non specificano se era stato ferito in combattimento o a causa di un incidente. 
Dopo la ritirata dei tedeschi viene prelevato dalla Croce Rossa. 


“I parenti di Domenico, che ho incontrato, sono in grado di darmi un vecchio biglietto che, secondo loro, sarebbe l’indirizzo della moglie del soldato:


MRS. W. GARNHAM

131, LINDBERGH RD.

IPSWICH, SOFFOLK

ENGLAND”

“1943. Domenico Serafini has three sons: Pietro, Filomena and Maria. They live on the road to Garulla, near Amandola. We are in November 1943 and, in the market in Amandola, Domenico meets an English solider who asks for help.

“He shelters him in his house. The soldier has a bad leg. The witnesses up to now have not specified if he was wounded in battle or because of an accident. After the Germans’ retreat he was taken in by the Red Cross.

“Relatives of Domenico, who I have met, are in the process of giving me an old slip of paper with, according to them, the address of the soldier’s wife:

MRS. W. GARNHAM

131, LINDBERGH RD.

IPSWICH, SOFFOLK

ENGLAND”

“I am in contact with the relatives and the elderly neighbours,” Paolo wrote. “The oldest remember the English soldier.”

Please write to me at hilld@iu.edu if you are able to provide information that relates to either of these inquiries.

Pte. J. Drum

I received a note last month from Del MacPhail, whose grandfather was captured in North Africa in 1940.

J. Drum was interned in P.G. 59 for a time. He is listed in “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers C–F.”

Del wrote, “I have recently came across your site and would like to thank you for creating it. My Granda was a POW in this camp. He was transferred out of this camp and moved to Poland near the German border.

“Attached is a photo of him. That is an Australian’s hat he is wearing—his mate’s hat. He was a Cameron Highlander.

“He didn’t ever say anything about the war at all. So all I have are his records. My Granda passed away October 1989.

“He married Mary after the war, had five children—three boys and two girls—and 10 grandchildren. He was a scaffolder after the war, he just never spoke about it ever. I think it was too hard for him.”

Edwin A. Wilcher’s dog tag, missing for over 70 years in Italy, which was returned to Edwin’s family in November

Chiara Allevi’s grandfather Rinaldo and grandmother Luigia assisted Edwin Wilcher after his escape from P.G. 59 in 1943

In May 2009, I received a note from John Garner, who lives in Temple, Georgia.

John wrote, “My great grandfather by the name of Edwin Attaway Wilcher was a POW at camp CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13. Have you ever heard anything about him? His number I believe was 34352271 and he was captured December 29, 1943. Thanks for any help that you may provide.”

Edward explained in a follow-up note that Edwin was born in Georgia on September 27, 1912. He was a private in the U.S. army and he served as an infantrymen after reporting for duty on March 10, 1943. He served in the North African Theatre—in Tunisia.

I wasn’t able to help John at the time.

Then last April I received a note from Chiara Allevi, an Italian woman.

Chiara explained, “Sorry for my poor English…. My uncle found a military plate named EWIN A. WILCHER (34352271) Augusta Georgia, on my grandmother’s hamlet “AGORE” near ASCOLI PICENO town.

“My grandmother told us that Mr. Wilcher was hiding in a cave in the mountains near her hamlet together other American soldiers.

“She and other villagers brought food to them.”

Nine soldiers in all found refuge in Agore. But, Chiara explained, the Italians called by Italian names—Manuele, Corrado and so on.

Chiara asked me if I could put her in touch with anyone from Edwin’s family.

I was thrilled to be able to introduce here to John Garner. The two exchanged information about their families via email, and in November John received a small package from Chiara—containing Edwin Wilcher’s missing tag.

Word got out about the return of the dog tag and reporter Mark Davis of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was assigned to cover the story for the newspaper.

The AJC article, “POW’s WW II dog tag makes its way to Georgia family,” was published on December 4.

Two photographs from Chiara of the streets of Agore, Italy, as it appears today

Chiara provided me with this photo of two servicemen. “Unfortunately, I don’t know if one is Edwin, and in the back of this photo nothing was written.” John Garner, however, said the soldier with the hat may be his great grandfather, Edwin Wilcher.

I received a note early this month from Katy Bochetto, who wrote, “My grandfather was Charles K. Simmons.

“My Aunt, Trish Harper, submitted copies of the address book and calendar he kept while a POW.” See “Charles Simmons’ Calendar and Address Book” and “Charles Simmons’ 1943 Calendar.”

Katy’s mother, Margaret Simmons, was Charles’ oldest daughter.

In her note, Katy told me about Charles’ gold “300 game” bowling ring that was confiscated by Italians after his capture, but was later surprisingly returned to Charles.

In a follow-up email I received today, Katy said, “The family was together for Christmas and more information was found about my grandfather—specifically the story I was telling you about his bowling ring!”

Below is the text of that article.

Although the reporter states Charles “escaped while being transported to Central Italy,” we know from Charles’ own records that he escaped from P.G. 59 during the breakout on September 14, 1943. Charles went by his middle name, Kenneth, and was also known as “Red.”

Hall of Fame Has Ring ‘Red’ Wore in War

Kenneth (Red) Simmons owns membership in the A&OD Individual Bowling League this year and after three weeks of action he found himself near the top of the heap with a 190 plus average. This is not a particularly spectacular sports flash but Red bears watching because he is the type of tiger that figures to claw his way to consistently good scores.

The fact that his record shows three 300 games, a 299 heartbreaker and about twenty 700 totals, not to mention several seasons when he averaged above the 200 mark, makes him a strong candidate to cop all the marbles whenever the name of the game is bowling.

All this, of course, is pretty generally known among his A&OD colleagues, but what isn’t so generally known is that the redhead is represented in bowling’s Hall of Fame. And the way all this came about makes an interesting little story.

Back in World War II, Red was with the 1st Army taking part in the invasion of North Africa when he was captured by the Italians. His captors relieved him of his ABC [American Bowling Congress] gold ring and an ABC belt buckle. While being transported to Central Italy he escaped and hid out in the mountains for six months before making contact with American forces.

Later his buddies, still in action in Africa, captured several Italians, one who just happened to be wearing Red’s engraved ring. After hostilities the ring was returned to its owner and later was exchanged for a new one by ABC officials. They wanted the well-traveled piece of jewelry for display in the hall.

So, one of these days watch Red make another escape…from good scores to something spectacular.

Roberto Lucci’s grandmother, Elvira Lucci (center), was 19 years old when her father sheltered a prison camp escapee in their home.

Roberto Lucci is an Italian who is attempting to find the family of an escaped prisoner who was sheltered by his grandfather in 1943–44.

Given the close proximity of his grandfather’s village, Petritoli, to Servigliano, Roberto believes the POW likely escaped from P.G. 59.

Roberto wrote (translated here into English from Italian), “I’m a young man from Petritoli, a village 15km from Servigliano.

“I have started to ask some of the elders who have fragmentary recollections of this man [for help]. I know that William and David are the first or last names.”

Roberto explained that the man’s last name might have been something similar to David—such as Davidson, Davison, Davis, or Davies.

Two escapees sound shelter in Petritoli.

“[The other was] a certain Franz, who was English, and [so it] was assumed [the man my grandfather took in] was of the same nationality.

“The story is basically this:

“My great-grandfather, Luigi Lucci, who was blinded during the First World War helped the fugitive because he knew what it meant to be away from home and suffering because of war.

“[The escapee he helped] had taken refuge in the countryside near Petritoli along with this British soldier named Franz.

“[One of my contacts in the village] told me she was in contact with this Franz, and the last time she saw him was 16 years ago when he came back in Italy with his family.

“[My contact] is trying to find the address of Franz, and it seems to her that he was from London.”

Of course, it is possible Franz’s comrade was American or from a Commonwealth country, rather than from England.

I would like to hear from anyone who has information concerning this former POW. Write to me at hilld@iu.edu.

A handsome civic tower rises above the medieval hilltop community of Petritoli, Italy (Monica Vitali, Wikimedia Commons)

Tre Archi, Petritoli, Italy (Wikimedia Commons)

In 2013, researcher Brian Sims gave me access to his photographs of the complete contents of a booklet entitled Italy: Imperial Prisoners of War Alphabetical List, Section 1, British Army, which is archived at the British National Archives.

The Alphabetical List contains the names of thousands of British prisoners of war interned in Italian camps, apparently compiled in 1942 or the spring of 1943.

This post contains Alphabetical List soldiers K–M who were documented as P.G. 59 internees.

See also “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers A–B,” “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers C–F,” and “The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers G–J.”

A key to acronyms and abbreviations follows the list.

Page 72
Kaye, J. R. – Tpr. – 7885909 – R.A.C. – R.O. No.3
Keddie, D. J. T. – Cpl. – T/192321 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Kelley, J. P. – Cpl. – 552447 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 3
Kelley, T. – Tpr. – 7904262 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Kempton, W. G. – Pte. – 5512026 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23

Page 73
Kilby, V. Pte. – 7519659 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Killeen, C. – Pte. – 6012148 – Essex – R.O. No. 21
Kimpson, L. W. – Tpr. – 7885915 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
King, A. G. – Gnr. – 1678811 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
King, M. I. – Pte. – 2754828 – Bk. Watch – R.O. No. 16

Page 74
Kinsey, R. – Fus. – 14209862 – Innis. F. – R.O. No. 17
Kirby, J. – Drv. – T/121147 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Kirkland, R. – Tpr. – 7935537 – R.A.C. – R.O. No.3
Kitchener, A. E. – Gnr. – 1503096 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Knapman, P. A. – Tpr. – 7897305 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Knibbs, H. G. – Tpr. – 7912314 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Knowles, J. – Gdsm. – 2659152 – C.G. – R.O. No. 12

Page 75
Lageu, F. G. – Tpr. – 7908239 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Laking, J. C. – Dvr. – 904946 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Lapworth, J. C. – Cfn. – 7633044 – R.E.M.E. – R.O. No. 44
Lark, J. – Bdr. – 1036250 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Lashley, N. – Pte. – 7360125 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30

Page 76
Lawrence, A. – Bdr. – 1831029 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Lawrence, E. D. – L/Cpl. – 2325451 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Lawrence, A. G. – Tpr. – 7905290 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Laycock, W. – Tpr. – 551920 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Lee, J. – Gnr. – 1086426 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 77
Leeves, J. T. – Pte. – 5505603 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Leggatt, W. J. – Bde. – 6100005 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Leggett, E. D. – Gnr. – 1632647 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Leonard, J. – Pte. – 5628559 – Devon. – R.O. No. 22
Lewis, W. – Drv. – T/193906 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Liddle, E. – Gnr. – 1106672 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5

Page 78
Light, T. – Pte. – 3595972 – Bord. – R.O. No. 18
Lightfoot, A. F. – Rfn. –6917381 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Linay, F. C. – Rfn. – 6969422 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Lingley, H. C. – Fus. – 7022167 – Innis. F. – R.O. No. 17
Lipscombe, A. T. – Gnr. – 921774 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Lister, T. W. – Tpr. – 7911951 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Livingstone, J. – Gnr. – 1477901 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Livy, W. E. – L/Cpl. – 4039075 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Lloyd, E. A. T. – Sgt. – 1071218 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Lloyd, T. B. – Fus. 2031023 – N’d. F. – R.O. No. 20

Page 79
Lovell, S. – Pte. – 5954709 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Lowe, L. W. – Pte. – 4452389 – D.L.I. – R.O. No. 20
Lowe, A. W. – Rfn. – 6846046 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Lowes, G. – Dvr. – T/66185 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Lowther, J. W. C. – Pte. – 7347091 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No.30
Lucas, J. V. – Cpl. – 5495462 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Lucas, C. M. – Pte. – 7518320 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Luetchford, H. H. V. – Gnr. – 999132 – R.A. – R.O. No.5
Luxford, T. G. – L/Cpl. – 6914675 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24

Page 80
Lye, G. – Q.M.S. – 1066827 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Lyons, P. – Pte. – 2571884 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23

McAtamney, P. – Pte. – 4915566 – S. Staff – R.O. No. 19
McAvoy, R. – L/Sgt. – 3589095 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
McBride, J. – Pte. – 2935900 – A.A.C. – R.O. No. 45
McCardle, C. – Pte. – 2982115 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
McCloskey, J. – Gnr. – 880258 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
McCurdy, R. E. – Gnr. – 1710062 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6

Page 81
Mcdonald, W. – Pte. – 3316342 – H.L.I. – R.O. No. 16
McEvoy, F. – Pte. – 2935912 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16

Page 82
McKenzie, A. J. – Cpl. – 3323707 – H.L.I. – R.O. No. 16
McLean, J. – Pte. – 2932505 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
McLeod, O. – Pte. – 3711433 – K.O.R.R. – R.O. No. 18
MacLimskey, L. – Drv. – 216015 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Page 83
McQuillan R. – Pte. – 2934471 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
McSteen, C. D. – Drv. – T/186153 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Maddison, J. A. – Pte. – 7379982 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Maddocks, J. – Tpr. – 2568324 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Malone, M. J. – Gnr. – 866431 – R.A. – R.O. No.5

Page 84
Mansfield, L. F. – Pte. – 6287639 – Buffs – R.O. No. 23
Marks, F. G. – Tpr. – 5733538 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Marshall, F. – Cpl. – 7519813 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30

Page 85
Martin, A. T. – Pte. – 5505830 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Martin, C. J. – Rfn. – 6968907 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Martin, R. – Tpr. – 7936486 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Marvel, G. W. – L/Sjt. – 2323248 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Masters, A. F. – Tpr. – 320774 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Matthews, A. – Pte. – 6009743 – Essex – R.O. No. 21

Page 86
Maycock, S. W. – Tpr. – 329229 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Mee, C. E. C. – C/Sjt. – 6914902 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Mellor, H. – Cpl. – 2580979 – R. Sigs. – R.O. No. 10
Melville, L. – Gnr. – 980893 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Merrall, L. – Pte. – 7374220 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30
Metcalf, R. – Dvr. – 183159 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Meyler, J. F. – Sgt. – 7886262 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 87
Miller, J. F. E. – Pte. – 146579 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Miller, F. – Pte. – 5511281 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Miller, H. – Rfn. – 6917423 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Mills, J. J. F. – L/Cpl. – 5247784 – Worc. – R.O. No. 19

Page 88
Mitchell, W. – L/Bdr. – 1070221 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Mival, F. – Pte. – 5052489 – S. Staff. – R.O. No. 19
Mohan, J. N. – Gnr. – 1567876 – R.A. – R.O. No. 6
Moon, A. D. – Dvr. – 67866 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29

Page 89
Moore, N. F. – Tpr. – 7912134 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Morgan, R. – Tpr. – 319507 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Morgan, T. – Gnr. – 902577 – R.A. – R.O. No. 5
Morgan, R. C. – Sjt. – 5109652 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Morgan, S. – Rfn. – 6924274 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Morris, J. – Dvr. – T/179807 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 29
Morrison, R. – Gdsm. – 2696771 – S.G. – R.O. No. 13

Page 90
Mortimer, J. E. – L/Cpl. – 402999 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Morton, R. B. – Cpl. – 6845423 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Moss, W. – Sgt. – 5621976 – Devon – R.O. No. 22
Mount, A. – L/Cpl. – 551699 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Mountford, C. – Cpl. – 7886929 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3
Muir, J. C. – Pte. – 3314031 – Cam. H. – R.O. No. 16
Mulford, A. J. – Pte. – 6139646 – E. Surr. – R.O. No. 23
Mulford, A. C. – Cfn. – 7585144 – R.E.M.E. – R.O. No. 44
Mundy, C. E. – Pte. – 5496225 – Hamp. – R.O. No. 23
Munson, R. J. – Tpr. – 1572393 – R.A.C. – R.O. No. 3

Page 91
Murphy, C. – Rfn. – 6969222 – R. Bde. – R.O. No. 24
Murray, M. – Rfn. – 6852953 – K.R.R.C. – R.O. No. 24
Murray, J. – Pte. – 7518533 – R.A.M.C. – R.O. No. 30

Acronyms and Abbreviations

A. & S.H. – Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
A.A.C. – Army Air Corps
A.A.A.C. – Australian Army Aviation Corps
A.C.C. – (unit unknown)
A.D.C. – This is an acronym for a unit name, possibly the Royal Army Dental Corps (R.A.D.C.)

B. & H. – Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
B.S.M. – Battery Sergeant-Major
Bdr. – Bombardier
Bk. Watch – Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
Bord. – Border Regiment
Brig. – Brigadier
Buffs – Royal East Kent Regiment (“The Buffs”)

C.G. – Coldstream Guards
C.Q.M.S. – Company Quartermaster Sergeant
C.S.M. – Company Sergeant Major
Cam. H.– Cameron Highlanders
Camns. – it seems likely this also refers to the Cameron Highlanders
Capt. – Captain
Cfn./Cfm. – Craftsman
Cpl. – Corporal

Devon. – Devonshire Regiment
D.L.I. – Durham Light Infantry
Dorset – Dorset Regiment
Drv. – Driver
Dvr/i/c – Driver (meaning of i/c unknown)

E. Surr. – East Surrey Regiment
Essex – Essex Brigade

Fus. – Fusilier

G.G. – Grenadier Guards
Gdsm. – Guardsman
Gn. How. – (unit name, full name unknown)
Gnr. – Gunner

Hamp. – Hampshire Regiment
H.L.I. – Highland Light Infantry

Innis. F. – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

K.O.R.R. – King’s Own Royal Regiment
K.R.R.C. – King’s Royal Rifle Corps

L/Bdr. – Lance Bombardier
L/Cpl. – Lance Corporal

Manch. – Manchester Regiment

N’d. F. – Royal Northumberland Fusiliers

P.S.M. – (rank unknown, may refer to a type of sergeant major)
Pte. – Private

Q.M.S. – Quartermaster Sergeant

R. Bde. – Rifle Brigade
R. Sigs. – Royal Signals
R.A. – Royal Artillery
R.A.C. – Royal Armoured Corps
R.A.M.C. – Royal Army Medical Corps
R.A.O.C. – Royal Army Ordnance Corps
R.A.S.C. – Royal Army Service Corps
R.E. – Royal Engineers
R.E.M.E. – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
R. Ir. R. – this may be the Royal Irish Rifles (although they became the Royal Ulster Rifles in January 1921)
R.O. – Radiotelephone Operator
R.U. Rif. – Royal Ulster Rifles
R.W.F. – Royal Welch Fusiliers

Rfn. – Rifleman

S.G. – Scots Guards
S.S.M. – unit name unknown
S.W.B.– South Wales Borders
S. Staff – (unit name, full name unknown)
Sgm./Sgmn. – Signalman
Sgt. – Sergeant
Sjt. – Serjeant (a variant of sergeant)
Spr. – Sapper

Tpr. – Trooper

W.G. – Welsh Guards
Welsh/Welch – may also refer to the Welsh Guards
Worc. – Worcestershire Regiment

First page of the I.S.9 “progress report” for December 16–29, 1943

The transcription and notes in this post are by Dr. Luigi Donfrancesco, nephew of I.S.9 agent Andrea Scattini.

Access to the war diary (from the British National Archives) was courtesy of researcher Brian Sims.

See additional reports at “I.S.9 Progress Reports for November 4–21, 1943,” “I.S.9 War Diary—November 17–20, 1943,” and “I.S.9 Situation Report—November 3–4, 1943.”

Here are a few abbreviations that occur in this report:

2 Para Bde – Second Paratroopers Brigade
8 Indian Div. or 8 Ind. Div. – Eighth Indian Division
A/Q – acquisition
AMGOT – Allied Military Government for Occupied Territories
Bde – brigade
B.M. – brigade major
DADOS – Deputy Assistant Director, Ordinance Services
ex P/W – ex-prisoner of war
F.S.S. – Field Security Service
H.Q. – headquarters
I.O. – Intelligence Officer or Information Officer
L/Cpl. – lance corporal
N.Z. Div. – New Zealand Division
Re – regarding
S.I.B. – Special Intelligence Branch/Bureau
sd – signed
Sect. – section

MOST SECRET
PROGRESS REPORT – No. 5 ‘A’ FORCE FIELD SECTION
16 DECEMBER – 29 DECEMBER, [19]43

Dec. 16: Visited DADOS at VASTO and on to CUPELLO. Contacted DADOS 8 Indian Div. Sgt. Gillespie maintained daily contact [with] H.Q. 8 Indian Div.

Dec. 17: LANCIANO: picked up agent ZOPITO [di Camillo] at CASALBORDINO. Visited 406 F.S.S. and AMGOT and S.I.B. re. civilian clothing. This was satisfactorily arranged. Sgt. Gillespie brought the news that Capt. LEWIS [Richard W. B. Lewis, U.S. Army Air Force] had come through.

Dec. 18: Clothing hunt. “Made my number” with G.III (I) 5 Div now in this area. Daily contact by Sgt. Gillespie with H.Q. 8 Indian Div.

Dec. 19: Left for TERMOLI, dropping [agent] ZOPITO [di Camillo] at CASALBORDINO to recover from his last trip.

Dec. 20: TERMOLI in time for two Generals and one Air Vice Marshal and party. Discussed general business matters with Capt. FOWLER. [Spartaco] PERINI to BRINDISI for early return. No indication what has happened to POP [a well trained agent, actual name unknown] and PERINI’s brother [Dino Perini].

Dec. 21: Left TERMOLI on urgent call from N.Z. Div. Meanwhile Sgt. Gillespie had contacted N.Z. Div. and picked up ANDREA [Scattini] and ex P/W L/Cpl. SPIRO. They were brought to LANCIANO and kept for interrogation on my arrival. 17 F.S.S. [personnel] contacted.

Dec. 22: ANDREA [Scattini] and L/Cpl. SPIRO gave full story as directed by HUGH [Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello)]. The facts were told to HUGH by FRANCO [Scoletta, a collaborator] of Capt. McGibbon Lewis [Bridges George McGibbon Lewis]. Signals and reports sent to H.Q. Bari. Five volunteers arrived from BARI. 8 Ind. Div. F.S.S. contacted, sent off two guides to SOAMES.

Dec. 23: A/Q matters – food, clothing, house search, etc.

Dec. 24: N.Z. Div. H.Q. to warn them of guide ANTONIO [Pantalone – see new guides at the end of report] expected through. 2 Para Bde – saw I.O.; then to CASOLI Carabinieri re type just come through with information re route. AMGOT – see note re refugees asking payment. Capt. ELLIS and Sgt. called re wireless set on other side. Daily contact maintained with 8 Ind. Div. by Sgt. Gillespie.

Dec. 25: 406 F.S.S. [Field Security Service] contacted No. 5 Field Section!!!

Dec. 26: Visited 8 Ind. Div. DADOS. Two agents briefed. Two agents off.

Dec. 27: CASOLI. Put another two agents through the lines. CUPELLO. Jeep maintenance.

Dec. 28: VASTO – CASALBORDINO, picked up ZOPITO [di Camillo]. Returned to LANCIANO. Belgian interrogated – worthless information.

Dec. 29: N.Z. Div. F.S.S. and went on to CASOLI with 8 Army L/Sgt. In view of the increased activities and possibilities of this area, decided to open a room for agents where they might stay the night before “pushing off” again. This for the shuttle service guides working area South FIUME PESCARA [Pescara River]. This post will be controlled by the 13 Bde F.S.S. in CASOLI, by arrangement with them, and guides reporting back will feed and sleep. Situated next door to the Carabinieri it is perfectly placed for what it is.

Visited 13 Bde. H.Q. and contacted the B.M. who has offered full assistance. The arrangements made with him are:-

a) F.S.S. of 13 Bde will take care of agents and pass them forward to the front line troops.

b) He will arrange a special patrol to accompany forward any special agent I wish to put through.

c) He will endeavour to arrange a “diversionary incident” to draw attention away from the route through which any special agent may be going to use.

Points B. and C. were at the B.M’s suggestion and give an indication that cooperation is complete and satisfactory.

This area, N.Z. Div and 13 Bde have already provided me with two new guides whose services will be valuable. Names of new guides see Appendix ‘A’.

Dec. 29: P.M. – Rations.

Dec. 30: One agent (paratrooper) returned unable to get through owing to German patrols. Intend he will go through with local guides. Visited the forward Battalion Area and put through two agents.
NOTE: Can something be done to ease the situation re refugees with chits saying they have helped ex P/W? Whether AMGOT have the idea that I run a Xmas club or something of the kind I don’t know, but I am threatened with dumping of every refugee peasant who comes into this large area, and who has at any time given help to our fellows on the other side, and AMGOT seems to think that he has passed on another buck.

It would, if I may suggest, be most helpful if AMGOT would send some directive clarifying that situation, and I personally would like to have a document telling me that I am not responsible for dealing in any way with persons who have not assisted ex P/Ws in their actual crossing of the lines.

Appendix ‘A’.

Names of new guides to be added to the existing list.

i. PIETRORAZIO Alberto, Via Vella 14, SULMONA. (AQUILA).

ii. ANTONIO PANTALONE, Via Largo Garnerdi [perhaps Garibaldi], GUARDIAGRELE.

In the Field
31 Dec, [19]43

(sd) A. ROBB,
Captain,
No. 5 ‘A’ Force Field Sect.

A one page I.S.9 “SITREP” (situation report) for November 12–13, 1943

The transcription and notes in this post are by Dr. Luigi Donfrancesco, nephew of I.S.9 agent Andrea Scattini.

Access to this document (from the British National Archives) was courtesy of researcher Brian Sims.

See additional reports at “I.S.9 Progress Reports for November 4–21, 1943,” “I.S.9 War Diary—November 17–20, 1943,” “I.S.9 Situation Report—November 3–4, 1943,” and “I.S.9 War Diary—December 16–29, 1943.”

This report is particularly interesting in that it contains lists of POWs rescued on these two dates, including several from P.G. 59.

Here are abbreviations that occur in this report:

AMGOT – Allied Military Government for Occupied Territory

Bde. – brigade
Bn – battalion
Capt. – captain
Cpl. – corporal
Dvr. – driver
Fd Arty – field artillery
Gp. – group
GT – most likely general technical
H.Q. – headquarters
Inf – infantry
L.A.A. – light anti-aircraft
LRDG – Long Range Desert Group
Maj. – major
NZEF – New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Para/Paratps – paratroops
Popski Patrol – British Special Forces Major Vladimir Peniakoff was nicknamed “Popski”
POW – prisoner(s) of war
Pte. – private
R.A. – Royal Army
Corps of Sigs – Royal Corps of Signals
RDLI – Royal Durban Light Infantry
Regt. – regiment
S.A. – South Africa
S.A.S. – Special Air Service
S/Sgt. – staff sergeant
Sgd. – signed
Sgt. – sergeant
Sqdn. – squadron
USAAF – United States Army Air Force

SITREP. [Situation Report] “A” FORCE HQ. TERMOLI.

NOVEMBER 12 [1943].

1830 – The following party arrived by road, having been landed from fishing schooner 10 miles up the coast from TERMOLI. They had embarked on the previous night at SILVI [north of Pescara].

Capt. Raymond LEE [COURAUD] 2 SAS (wounded in both shoulders and now in hospital)

[Note. This French Officer, naturalized British, was in the MS (MAS, Torpedo Motorboat) hit by enemy fire and sunk on November 2, with Augusto RUFFO “di Calabria” (older brother of Paula, Queen of Belgium) who lost his life, and USAAF Intelligence Captain Richard W. B. LEWIS, who survived and returned six weeks later to TERMOLI, on December 17, 1943.]

POW

Maj. J. GORDON – R. Corps of Sigs.

Dvr. J. D. JOHNSON – 187028 – 4 Bde. Service, S.A.

Dvr. W. P. QUINN – 2698 – 2 RDLI, S.A.

Cpl. W. L. DAVIDSON – 12016889 – 1 Div 18 GT (USA)

Sgt. E. R. KIMMONS – 14013189 – 9 Div 47 GT (USA)

Sgt. SCOTT – POW re-employed by “A” FORCE, 1 SAS.

3 ITALIANS evacuated by AMGOT.

NOVEMBER 13.

0800 – “HUGO” [Uguccione RANIERI “di Sorbello”] and agent landed by Capt. ROBB and the Senior member of the “RATLINE” arrived at TERMOLI in the fishing schooner MARIA which he had commandeered at S. BENEDETTO [San Benedetto del Tronto] and sailed on to TERMOLI with the following–

POW

S/Sgt. JOHNSON Clinton -14029713, 12th Bomb Gp. 83 Sqdn. USAAF. from Camp 59.

Sgt. MACLAREN C.D. – 2561191 – R. Corps of Sigs from Camp 70.

Sgt. HARVEY J.A. – 833419 – R.A. from Camp 70.

Sgt. SCHOLES Samuel – 6471852 – 2 Bn Paratps from Camp 70.

Pte. JENSON Roland – 4972936 – 1 Bn Sherwood Foresters from Camp 53.

Cpl. CRAW Merlyn – 37112 – NZEF. Taken POW with LRDG on POPSKI patrol Western Desert. From Camp 70.

Cpl. MORRIS Leonard – 2571012 – R. Corps of Sigs. From Camp 53.

Pte. FIELDS Clarence A. – 34089653 – 17 Fd Arty. USA. From Camp 59.

Sgt. TUGWELL Horace – 6140425 – East Surrey Regt. From Camp 59.

Sgt. WILLIS Albert – 5774137 – 2 Para Bn. From Camp 59.

Sgt. CHARD Thos. [Thomas] – 323546694 – 3 Bn 168 Inf Regt. USA. From Camp 59.

Pte. SOPER Thalweus – 1306995 – 16 Engineer Bn USA. From Camp 59.

Pte. DUPERREALT Wm. [William] – 6153240 – 3 Bn 26th Inf Regt. USA. From Camp 59.

Pte. NETTLES Rochester – 34059817 – 17 Fd Arty. USA. From Camp 59.

Gnr. GILMORE A. – 1761225 – 27 L.A.A. Regt. From Camp 53.

Pte. MAYBURY Rommel – 156763 – 2 S.A.S.

Pte. MAYBURY has been returned to his Unit and the POW evacuated to the Sub-Commission, BARI.

In addition to the above “HUGO” gave a lift to 7 ITALIANS who had been evacuated as refugees.

The skipper of the MARIA has been rewarded with 1000 lire per head in full settlement.

“HUGO” is returning on another expedition immediately.

Sgd. J. F. FILLINGHAM, Major G II (N).

In the Field, 13 Nov [19]43

Dr. Luigi Donfrancesco, nephew of I.S.9 “A” Force agent Andrea Scattini, has discovered a number of online sites that offer information on six key I.S.9 officers.

These officers—Andrew Robb (New Zealand), Richard W. B. Lewis (United States), Bridges George McGibbon-Lewis (UK), Major John Francis Fillingham (UK), Major John Alec McKee (UK), and Raymond Lee Couraud (France)—are mentioned frequently in the official I.S.9 history and in I.S.9 situation reports and war diaries on this site.

The men were active in I.S.9 No. 5 Field Section operations along the the Adriatic coastline of Italy.

Captain Andrew Robb

An entry for Andrew Robb is included in unithistories.com, “British Army Officers, 1939–1945”:
http://www.unithistories.com/officers/Army_officers_R02.html

Here are a few details from that entry:

Born March 20, 1901 in Dunedin, New Zealand

Employed by the Colonial Service and lived in Malaya

Served in the Johore Volunteer Engineers (1932–1938) and the 1st Perak Battalion, Federation of Malay States Volunteers (1939–1942)

Served as Lieutenant, G Branch, Land Headquarters, Australian Intelligence Corps (1942–1944)

Commissioned on May 14, 1945, General List (emergency commission)

Retired to Christchurch, New Zealand with his wife, Antonina, where he worked as a surveyor

Died December 1974

Captain Richard Warrington Baldwin Lewis

Born November 1, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois

Active in the Middle East, North Africa, and Italy

Served in the American military intelligence service operated out of Washington, D.C. known as M.I.S.(X), which partnered with British M.I.9 in I.S.9 Central Mediterranean Forces activities

Was a commanding officer of the Northern Italy War Crimes Investigation Team

Received a Legion of Merit Award in 1944 for service behind enemy lines

Discharged from service in 1946 with the rank of major

Was a visiting lecturer at Smith College (1951–1952), a resident fellow at Princeton University (1952–1954), and faculty member at Rutgers University until appointment to the Yale University faculty in 1959

At Yale, taught in the Departments of English and American Studies

Was considered an authority on the development of the American novel in the 19th and 20th centuries

His Edith Wharton: A Biography won a Pulitzer Prize in 1976

Retired from Yale in 1988

At the time of his death on June 13, 2002, he was survived by Nancy Lewis, his wife of 52 years, and their son and two daughters

Resource links:

A tribute, “R. W. B. Lewis: Pulitzer Prize-winning literary scholar and critic,” from the Yale Bulletin & Calendar, (June 28, 2002):
http://www.yale.edu/opa/arc-ybc/v30.n32/story14.html

Wikipedia biography:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._W._B._Lewis

Fazi Editore mention of R. W. B. Lewis’ Dante Alighieri
http://fazieditore.it/autore/r-w-b-lewis/

Review of Lewis’ The city of Florence: Travels through past and present:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13532944.2011.586540

Obituary in the Guardian:
http://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/jun/19/guardianobituaries.booksobituaries

Captain (later Major) Bridges George McGibbon-Lewis

Resource links:

Wikipedia biography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunny_Lewis

Entry for from unithistories.com, “British Army Officers, 1939–1945”
http://www.unithistories.com/officers/Army_officers_L01.html

A few details on Bridges McGibbon-Lewis’ life from that history:

Born November 12, 1918 in Kensington, London

Awarded the Military Cross on August 24, 1944 for service in Italy

On November 2, 1940, commissioned (emergency commission) in The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

In June 1941, escaped from Crete aboard an abandoned landing craft; was taken POW by the Italian submarine Adua, which intercepted the landing craft; escaped after being landed in Italy and fought with the partisans

On September 17, 1944 was transferred to the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, Army Air Corps (served through January 1, 1946)

Died September 7, 2001 in Westminster, London

Major John Francis Fillingham

Was Captain Andrew Robb’s direct superior during I.S.9 service

Entry from unithistories.com, “British Army Officers, 1939–1945”
http://www.unithistories.com/officers/Army_officers_F01.html

A few details on John Fillingham’s life from that history:

Born February 16, 1918, in the Sculcoates district, East Riding of Yorkshire, the son of Frank Fillingham and Ada Wright, from Hull

Commissioned, the East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke of York’s Own), Territorial Army (July 5, 1939)

Mobilized Territorial Army (August 24, 1939)

Served in Italy

Seconded to the Air Ministry Directorate of Intelligence as the senior Army representative on Section AI 9 dealing with escape and evasion (E&E) matters (1945–1948)

Short service commission, Intelligence Corps (?–May 2, 1958)

Permanent commission, Intelligence Corps (May 3, 1958–September 4, 1962)

Died December 1991 in the Richmond district, Surrey

Major John “Jock” Alec McKee

Worked as a courageous field operational officer in enemy territory (mainly in the Marche region of Italy) with I.S.9 agents and collaborators, to rescue POWS.

Repeatedly mentioned in “Babka’s” Diaries [I Diari Di Babka 1943–1944 Aristocrazia Antifascista E Missioni Segrete, published by Alessandro Perini, 2007]

The following information is from the Archives Hub website (resource materials held at King’s College London, Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives)
http://archiveshub.ac.uk/data/gb99-kclmamckee

Born in 1916

2nd Lieutenant, Royal Scots (1939)

Lieutenant (1941), served with 4th Indian Division, Western Desert, 1941–1942

Was a prisoner of war in Libya; escaped in 1942

Member of I.S.9 “A” Force, special unit involved in escape operations in the Western Desert (1942), Italy (1943–1944), and Austria (1945)

Promoted to captain in 1945, and to major in 1950

Died in 1981

Captain Raymond Lee (Couraud)

French, naturalized British

Raymond Couraud (aka Lee) born in France on January 12, 1920

Was age 18 when he enrolled in the French Foreign Legion in 1938
(To be enrolled in the Foreign Legion one needed to be at least 21, so Raymond Lee Couraud lied about his date and place of birth, saying he was born four years earlier in Belgium.)

Assigned to the French Forces’ 5th Company of the 13th Brigade in March 1940

In Marseilles, in 1941, he assisted in the rescue of scores of artistic and intellectual refugees who sought to escape from the Nazi threat

In England, joined the Special Operations Executive of the French Free Forces; later served in the second regiment of the Special Air Service (SAS), and then commanded the newly formed French Squadron of the 2nd SAS

Resource links:

“Le Captain Lee-Couraud and le “French Squadron” du 2nd S.A.S. Regiment”
http://association-sas.chez-alice.fr/PgeLEE&F.htm

Wikipedia entry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Couraud

ww2awards.com entry
http://en.ww2awards.com/person/42850

warlinks.com entry for the Battle of Termoli
http://www.warlinks.com/termoli/index.php

Raymond Couraud indexed at the British National Archives
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11183520

A synopsis of Mary Jayne Gold’s Crossroads Marseilles 1940
http://www.varianfry.org/gold_cm_summary_en.htm

First page of Captain Robb’s seven-page periodic report

The transcription and notes in this post—a January 1944 “periodic report” filed by Captain Andrew Robb—are by Dr. Luigi Donfrancesco, nephew of I.S.9 agent Andrea Scattini.

Our original access to this document (from the British National Archives) was courtesy of researcher Brian Sims.

This document is a treasury of information, including details on operations and future plans, POWs and evaders recently brought across the lines, and a list of Italian agents at work for I.S.9 at the time.

In a remarkable passage of the report, Captain Robb refers to the outstanding service of these agents:

“In the performance of their extremely difficult and dangerous tasks, the incentive to turn back is great; the incentive to stay on the other side of the line is greater. And yet, of the nine most recently returned, two are hospital cases, three others are receiving daily medical attention. One walked for twenty-four hours through the snow, despite a case of malaria and a bullet wound; another crossed the [Mount] Maiella with a foot too swollen and infected to permit the wearing of a shoe. Only unusual loyalty and determination would produce such results, which, were it allied personnel, we believe would win them immediate military awards.”

Luigi Donfrancesco wrote, “This report gives a perfect idea of all the efforts and risks of rescue operations. It shows the excellent organizational capabilities of I.S.9 officers of the 8th Army and the tremendous job done by Italian agents and guides in helping and saving the POWs.

“We have to remember that winter 1943-1944 was particularly severe in that part of Italy and there was a lot of snow. That made harder the transfer at night and by foot of POWs across the front to the Allied lines.”

See additional I.S.9 reports at “I.S.9 Progress Reports for November 4–21, 1943,” “I.S.9 War Diary—November 17–20, 1943,” “I.S.9 Situation Report—November 3–4, 1943,” “I.S.9 War Diary—December 16–29, 1943,” and “I.S.9 Situation Report—November 12–13, 1943.”

For background information on Captain Andrew Robb, see “I.S.9 Officers—Biography.”

Some corrections in spelling have been made in the transcript below, including the corrected spelling of the comune of Paglieta for Paglietta; Alberto Pietrorazio’s name, which is spelled Pietrorazzo throughout the original document; and the comune of Manoppello, which is spelled Manopelle in the document.

MOST SECRET

PERIODIC REPORT OF No. 5 FIELD SECTION 15 Jan – 25 Jan [January 15–25, 1944].

Following the interrogation of my agent by 5th Corps on Jan 8, and the interest his information aroused, I have, whenever possible, supplied formations with such items of information as were of immediate interest to them. This finally culminated in 4 Ind. Div. [4th Indian Division] sending to me a Cpl. [Corporal] Bjorkman who was about to penetrate to find certain information required by them. Fortunately, as it happened I could give them some indication of where to look and a route through the enemy lines, one of those used by my agents. This was immediately followed by inquiries by 13th Corps; they were contacted. I returned to Lanciano. I was phoned and then told that some of my agents were at 13th Corps H.Q. [Headquarters] where they had been held for interrogation. This meant another visit to Corps at Paglieta and I foresaw that these calls for information, the holding back of agents for interrogation might get out of hands and seriously impede our only object – that of getting exP/Ws [ex prisoners of war] out.

As I had not previously visited the new G1 I Army H.Q. [Intelligence Army Headquarters], I decided to take an early opportunity of doing so and on Jan 20 presented myself at 8[th] Army H.Q. I met the Intelligence Staff and was told that the new G.1. was expecting me in his office. The meeting was as pleasant as it was successful. He said he had been keen to know what “A” Force activities were on his front and had been pleased with our latest haul of 31 [prisoners of war], which had made him the more anxious to meet us. I gave him a picture and the lay-out, stressing Termoli and No. 5 [Field Section] as being of immediate interest to him. He then went on to ask about information and I gave him the picture as above. It was decided, as I stated that my staff could certainly not carry out detailed interrogation of anyone, that the best move was for Army to put someone on the job. He asked which formation H.Q. was nearest to me, and went into detail about distribution of information, etc., and we agreed that the best place was with me at Lanciano. He has since put that into effect and a Sgt. [Sergeant] Callow, already known to me through the N.Z. Div. [New Zealand Division], arrived here while I was at Termoli having reported to H.Q 8 Army and been sent on here as attached to No. 5 “A” Force Field Section.

It was also suggested by Army Intelligence that such “I” [Intelligence] summaries and information helpful to us would be sent by Army.

The impression I got from my visit is that he is extremely interested and will help us in any way to further our efforts. This is further proved by his quick action in sending the Sgt., and he impressed on me that we would always be welcomed at Army HQ., and asked that a note from me about our work, or a visit would be most welcome. The visit lasted about one hour.

The next point of importance is the new plan – FIRSTBORN [evacuation of prisoners of war by sea] – to go into effect about 28/29. Following your signal from Bari I left at once for Termoli where [USAAF Intelligence] Capt. [Richard Warren Barrington] Lewis arrived from Bari the same day.

Major LeFroy, Capt. Lewis, myself and Ermanno [Finocchi] held a conference in the evening when the plan was discussed and finally agreed upon. Major LeFroy contracted to send a copy which should, by now, be with you. It has every chance of success, being extremely simple and as far as possible all contingencies taken care of in advance. It should begin to bear fruit, we anticipate, by the end of the Feb. [February] moon period.

Apart from its use on this plan, the W/T [wireless telegraphy] set will be invaluable to us with regard to RATBERRY A [rescue plan of POWs based on Post “A” – Villa Vinci at Cupra Marittima, Ascoli Piceno – and carried out by the six agents: Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello, Andrea Scattini, Ermanno Finocchi, Fausto Simonetti, “Guido,” and Don Domenico “Carlo” Orlandini] and the general picture and conducting of operations from both sides [of the front].

PART TWO

ACTIVITIES

A great harvest has been reaped in the last ten days, from seeds sown as long ago as November and as recently as the middle of this month. The combination of long-range planning and quick adjustment to circumstances succeeded in bringing through the lines, by the resourcefulness and courage of laboriously trained agents, a total of eighty-seven allied prisoners, from all sectors of the 8th Army front. These results are, of course, encouraging for the future: first, because they are strictly according to the plan, and second, because they prove that RATBERRY A is working as anticipated.

A. SULMONA

[Note. The full names and nicknames of several agents and guides from Sulmona were provided by Professor Ezio Pelino, from Sulmona.]

The return of agents [Alberto] Pietrorazio and Zopito [Di Camillo] with thirty-one prisoners on January 16 has already been reported. As a result of their information a party was immediately formed and dispatched back to Sulmona. The news that there were many prisoners in the Sulmona area – that is, in the town of Sulmona itself, and in the outlying villages to the south and west, along the foot of the mountain – and that among these was a group consisting of Brigadiers [“Generali di Brigata”] Williams and Anderson, Capt. Lawrence and two Sergeant Pilots. L/Bdr. [Lance Bombardier] Hay, who had been Brigadier Williams’ batman [“attendente”], arrived unaided at the last moment with further information which was added to the briefing just as the party was leaving. Hay also requested that a smoke signal be dropped between Sulmona and Introdaqua [Introdacqua] to notify the Brigadier that he had come through and that the route was safe. This request was passed to TAF [Tactical Air Forces].

The party returning to Sulmona included [Alberto] Pietrorazio, Domenico [Silvestri] (a civilian from Sulmona who has been aiding the Brigadiers and who volunteered to return) and two parachutists, Pino [cover name of agent Elio Tremaroli, from San Benedetto del Tronto] and Primo [cover name of Alcide Silenzi]. They carried with them medical supplies to cater to the lumbago and dysentery of Brigadier Williams and Brigadier Anderson respectively, aspirin and rum and a note from Capt. Robb. Their instructions were to proceed as a group to the hideout of the Brigadiers, whereupon two were to return with that party only and two others to collect as many other prisoners as practical and return with them.

These instructions were carried out to the letter and with complete success. The Brigadiers’ party was contacted and the supplies and the note given to them. As arrangements were been made for the return journey, the smoke signal arrived – in fact three signals, dropped by a RAF [Royal Air Force] fighter exactly in the zone requested. This strengthened the determination of the party to make the attempt to come back, and on the night of Jan [January] 24 the two Brigadiers, Capt. Lawrence and the two Sergeant pilots set out with Domenico [Silvestri] and Pino [Elio Tremaroli]. They reached our lines on Jan 25 [1944]. The entire operation, from the time the Brigadiers were first heard of and the plan conceived to the time the party was safely in Casoli [Chieti], took no more than nine days, and the actual operation from the time of departure of the guides to the safe arrival of the Brigadiers’ party a total of six days. Of the persons involved in the scheme, the greatest credit should possibly go to the parachutist, Pino [Elio Tremaroli], who carried out his instructions faultlessly, but very nearly equal commendation should go to all the others.

Meanwhile, Primo [Alcide Silenzi] and [Alberto] Pietrorazio had rounded up further prisoners, according to the plan. At the appointed time, only twenty-three, or about half of these contacts, actually showed up, and these were safely conducted along the route via Palena and Lettopalena to Casoli. This operation, likewise, was carried out according to the briefing given the guides here. Two of the officers rescued insisted on voicing the feelings of the whole party by composing a small report in which Primo [Alcide Silenzi] was commended “for all his work” and was described as most resourceful in a crisis, while [Alberto] Pietrorazio’s knowledge of the route was also commended. One of the crisis in which Primo’s resourcefulness was demonstrated was an encounter with a German sentinel, when Primo succeeded in hoodwinking and diverting until the party had safely passed by.

The total of prisoners brought through from Sulmona by agents from this section [No. 5] thus amount to fifty-nine persons. Other prisoners, however, have arrived and are arriving from Sulmona all the time now, and in fact a general mass movement of the several hundred prisoners previously hiding there is in progress. The news of our successful operations and of the simple and easily learned route has spread rapidly throughout the region, and the great quietus which had existed in Sulmona from October until recently has at last been broken. We have dispatched four more bodies to that area. It has been a most rewarding sideshow, but a sideshow only, and our interests continue to be concentrated much more on the Ratberry line.

B. RATBERRY A

[Note. Plan Ratberry “A” was so named as it was based on Post “A”: Villa Vinci “Boccabianca” (at Cupra Marittima), property of Count Zeno Vinci (see Major John F. Fillingham’s I.S.9 report.) Count Vinci’s wife Andreola, nickname “Babka”, wrote diaries containing details and dates of activities there. In 2007 her diaries, I Diari di Babka 1943–1944, aristocrazia antifascista e missioni segrete, were published by Alessandro Perini.]

RATBERRY A was planned to extend from Fermo to the Pescara river at a time when it was anticipated that the 8th Army would have crossed the Pescara well before Xmas [Christmas]. The line was established and was functioning exactly as preconceived, but as a result of the 8th Army’s bogging down at the Ortona-Orsogna line, prisoners were being bottlenecked at our last post near Nocciano [just north of the Pescara River]. The problem thus arose of how to set up yet one more link between the river and our lines to bring prisoners over this last hurdle. The successful solution of this problem is the achievement of the parachutist Marcello [Andriani? Mentioned in Captain Stipa’s papers], who returned on January 25 with twelve prisoners of the Ratberry variety.

Marcello was dispatched on January 15 with another parachutist, Gregorio [surname unknown], with the following instructions. He was to contact one Nicola [probably Mastrogirolamo, according to Donato Fantacuzzi’s report in Captain Stipa’s papers] at Manoppello [south of Pescara River] and set up there a halfway house. He was then to proceed across the Pescara river where he was to contact “Il Calabrese” [Sergeant Donato Fantacuzzi] in charge of the southernmost Ratberry posts [at Catignano, Nocciano, and Rosciano—all north of Pescara River]. He was to receive from “Il Calabrese” a group of prisoners previously collected there. He was to conduct these prisoners back to our lines, stopping overnight en route at Halfway House at Manoppello.

This is precisely what Marcello did. The other parachutist Gregorio was, unfortunately, seized by the Germans and impressed into carrying rations to and from Guardiagrele. He behaved very creditably throughout, and even found time to cut some German communications before escaping and returning here; but he did not succeed in getting up across the Pescara and so assisting the proposed mission. Marcello [Andriani?], however, went to Manoppello and organized a resting place for transient prisoners; crossed the Pescara; contacted “Il Calabrese” [Sergeant Donato Fantacuzzi]; collected the prisoners; brought them back to Manoppello, rested them at places provided by Nicola [Mastrogirolamo]; and conducted them safely down the rest of the way to Casoli. It would take a very long report to narrate the incidents wherein Marcello’s initiative and quick-thinking saved the day, for he had to shepherd the little group across bridges and highways and open fields under the very noses of the Germans.

More important, however, is the fact that Ratberry A is working and there is every reason to believe it will continue to work. “Il Calabrese” [Donato Fantacuzzi] had received this group of prisoners from the northern posts as arranged, and has already returned north to bring down another group, which will await the arrival of the next pair of agents we send up to him. If handled with discretion, Ratberry A should produce a steady stream of escapees from now on. There appear to be no insurmountable difficulties. The Pescara river was apparently the least of Marcello’s worries, the prisoners crossing it by the bridge below Rosciano in pairs, running counter to a huge amount of German traffic and saluting any German on foot with a casual “Buon Giorno”. This, as other things, was arranged on the spot by Marcello.

C. OTHER SOURCES

Two other groups of prisoners have arrived, brought in by two agents dispatched before Xmas. Antonio [Pantalone, from Guardiagrele], a local guide, conducted eleven through from the Chieti area, and Donato, a parachutist, came in on January 26 with five prisoners, also from this side of the Pescara. These two had been sent to scour a general area, the little pocket west of Chieti and south of the [Pescara] river; across the lines they split up and returned individually with their respective parties.

D. FUTURE PLANS

The two main lines of activity for the immediate future are both connected with Ratberry A. The one proposes to intensify the evacuation process from the present ratberry line, adding thereto the extra dimension of evacuation by sea [plan FIRSTBORN]; the other [MILKY WAY] plans to extend Ratberry North and possibly East to conduct prisoners to Switzerland and/or to Yugoslavia. Separate reports are been sent in on these plans, but they may be summarized here.

1. Activity along the present Ratberry line will be increased by the use of W/T [wireless telecommunications] which permits evacuation by sea, and by the dropping of parachutist agents, who have already crossed the lines and who can now serve as guides to bring back prisoners on foot via Halfway House at Manoppello.

The plan for evacuation by sea has already been transmitted in the form of the plan FIRSTBORN. It should begin to function on or after February 20, according to arrangement made between Major LeFroy, No. 5 Field Section and the agents and operator concerned.

Two parachutists are already in training. It is hoped to add to them, in time for dropping during February, at least five more, and at a later date still two more. These include the parachutists who know the Manoppello region and Marcello [Andriani?], who has already worked with Ratberry, as well as the two who performed so well in the SULMONA operation. Complete briefing for them will be available soon, but it is already planned to drop them at various points along the line, from which points they will work south through Manoppello to Casoli.

2. It is also hoped to extend Ratberry in the other direction [North and East], according to the plan MILKY WAY, a copy of which is attached. This plan speaks for itself, but it must be stated again that, assuming the time necessary for careful briefing and consideration of details, speed is the essential element.

E: APPENDICES

A. Nominal Rolls.

1. Brigadiers’ Party from Sulmona:

1. Brigadier [“Generale di Brigata”] Williams – C.R.A. [Commander, Royal Artillery] 7th Armoured Div. [Division] [“Divisione Corazzata”].

2. Brigadier Anderson – Cameron Highlanders.

3. Capt. [Captain] Lawrence.

4. S/Pilot [Sergeant Pilot] – R.A.F [Royal Air Force].

5. S/Pilot [Sergeant Pilot] Collett – R.A.F. [Royal Air Force].

2. Party conducted by Primo [Alcide Silenzi] from Sulmona:

Name. – Rank. – No. – Regt. [Regiment].

Thornbeck R. – Capt. [Captain] – 135812 – E. Yorks. [East Yorkshire Regiment]

Faulkner M. – Capt. [Captain] – 147293 – R.A. [Royal Artillery]

Jennings R. – Lt. [Lieutenant] – 124008 – R.A. [Royal Artillery]

Phillips L. – S.S.M. [Squadron Sergeant Major] – 2022916 – R.C.S. [Royal Corps of Signals]

Paterson T. – Fl/Sgt. [Flight Sergeant] – 1075398 – R.A.F. [Royal Air Force]

Lavery G. – Sgt. [Sergeant] – 2586874 – R.C.S. [Royal Corps of Signals]

Mebay W. – Sgt. [Sergeant] – 1533191 – R.A. [Royal Artillery]

Levesey J. – Cpl. [Corporal] – 4395787 – G. Howards. [Green Howards]

Beilby J. – Cpl. [Corporal] – 2035798 – R.E. [Royal Engineers]

Davis L. – Cpl. [Corporal] – 3908463 – S.W.B. [South Wales Borders]

Sevely A. – Cpl. [Corporal] – 2585453 – R.C.S. [Royal Corps of Signals]

Wilson C. – L/Cpl. [Lance Corporal] – 19631 – C.T.H. S.A.I. [Cape Town Highlanders, South African Infantry]

Cocum L. – Tpr. – [Trooper] – 10600475 – Recce. [Reconnaissance]

Longan J. – Pte. [Private] – 4395826 – G. Howards. [Green Howards]

Forsyth J. – Pte. [Private] – 792310 – B. Watch. [Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)]

Pursey L. – Pte. [Private] – 11855 – K.R. S.A.I. [perhaps the King’s African Rifles, South African Infantry]

Clarke H. – Pte. [Private] – 4983924 – S. Foresters. [Sherwood Foresters Regiment]

Holland W. – Rfn. [Rifleman] – 6915100 – R.B. [Rifle Brigade]

Dowler E. – Rfn. [Rifleman] – 6916868 – R.B. [Rifle Brigade]

Wright A. – Pte. [Private] – 4459146 – D.L.I. [Durham Light Infantry]

Jarvie J. – Gnr. [Gunner] – 15737162 – R.A. [Royal Artillery]

Stevens W. – Pte. [Private] – 219837 – R.A.S.C. [Royal Army Service Corps]

Gascor J. – Sgt. [Sergeant] – French Foreign Legn. [Legion]

Plus one Pole.

3. Ratberry A Party:

Ward P. – P.O. [Petty Officer, “Sottufficiale”] – D/JX134801 – R.N. [Royal Navy].

Brenner S. – Pte. [Private] – 2930147 – Q.O.C.H. [Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders]

Scott A.J. – Sgt. [Sergeant]– 1469252 – Q.O.C.H. [Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders]

Pallister S. – Pte. [Private] – 4385941 Worc. [Worcestershire Regiment]

Laird G. – Gnr. [Gunner] – 1120388 – R.H.A. [Royal Horse Artillery]

Turner A.J. – Pte. [Private] – 5258958 – Worc. [Worcestershire Regiment]

Demmer D.P. – Corporal – 214215 – U.D.F.S.A. [Union Defence Force (South Africa)]

Osborne W. – Pte. [Private] – 2983205 – A.S.H. [Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders]

Stubbs H. – Pte. [Private] – 2934656 – Q.O.C.H. [Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders]

Galvan C. – Pte. [Private] – 22120 – 2 N.Z.E.F. [2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force]

Finnie W.–S/C DR [Sergeant Chef Director] – 7589124 – R.A.O.C. [Royal Army Ordnance Corps]

*Lloyd E. – Pte. [Private] – 6458502 – E. Welch. [perhaps the East Lancashire Regiment of the 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division]

This man was exhausted and is to be collected by an Italian farmer about 10 Kilometers from CASOLI.

Donato’s [Donato Fantacuzzi] party (three names missing):

Toye R. – Sgt. [Sergeant] – T/6973313 – 49 Cov. R.A.S.C. [49th Company, Royal Army Service Corps]

Bourke F.G. – Cpl. [Corporal] – 7890321 – Ist. D.F. [perhaps the 1st Infantry Division, Union Defence Force (South Africa)]

plus three others from Ratberry A.

B. Nominal Rolls of Agents at present employed.

No matter how careful the planning and the briefing, all operations depend in the last analysis upon the agents selected to carry them out. This section is happy to say that it has now a nucleus of agents upon whom it can depend to perform the missions assigned to them. The parachutists selected by Capt. Benello have done extremely well, as this report indicates. It is most important, however, not to engage agents in a haphazard manner or simply because they have at one time or another crossed the lines at some point. In the performance of their extremely difficult and dangerous tasks, the incentive to turn back is great; the incentive to stay on the other side of the line is greater. And yet, of the nine most recently returned, two are hospital cases, three others are receiving daily medical attention. One walked for twenty-four hours through the snow, despite a case of malaria and a bullet wound; another crossed the [Mount] Maiella with a foot too swollen and infected to permit the wearing of a shoe. Only unusual loyalty and determination would produce such results, which, were it allied personnel, we believe would win them immediate military awards. The point is that such loyalty cannot be expected from the normal person. It results first, of course, from the personalities of the agents involved, second, from the treatment accorded to them while they are with us and when they return to us.

The nominal roll of these agents, as requested by you, follows:

1. Parachutists

Lt. [Lieutenant, Tenente] [Alberto] Orlandi – In charge of the reception, dispatching and listening post at Casoli. [See “‘Remarkable Gallantry’ of Lt. Alberto Orlandi”]:

Pino [cover name Elio Tremaroli, from San Benedetto del Tronto] – Acted as “spy” at [Passo/Pass] San Leonardo [on Mount “Maiella”, East of Sulmona] to discover route through Canadian lines; led the Brigadiers’ party from Sulmona; now ready for paratraining.

Primo [cover name Alcide Silenzi] – Made one unsuccessful attempt to penetrate lines and was seized by a British patrol; conducted party of twenty-three prisoners from Sulmona; ready for paratraining when foot heals.

Marcello [Andriani? See Captain Stipa’s papers]. Established Halfway House [at Manoppello] and conducted twelve prisoners from Ratberry post at Nocciano to lines; now ready for paratraining.

Gregorio [surname unknown] – Dispatched with guide Marcello (perhaps Andriani, see above), but seized by Germans, escaped and returned here; now ready for paratraining.

Donato [surname unknown] – Conducted five prisoners from Chieti area to lines; ready for paratraining only after bout of malaria cured.

Antonio [Negri? Cover name “Renato Rossi”?] – Made unsuccessful attempt to penetrate lines and contact “Il Calabrese” [Sergeant Donato Fantacuzzi]; now undergoing paratraining [see report by Captain Stipa].

Angelo [surname unknown] – Made unsuccessful attempt as above with Antonio; now undergoing paratraining.

Mario [perhaps Mottes, or another] – Assisted in later stages of rescue of Brigadiers; now ready for paratraining.

Giuseppe [Pierantozzi] – Penetrated lines and seized by Germans; severe interrogation, escaped and returned to us [see Captain Stipa’s report]; now ready for paratraining.

Umberto [Baldini? from Nereto, Teramo? Brother of Roberto Baldini, Captain Stipa’s collaborator?] – Penetrated lines with another guide, non-parachutist [Marcello “il Gobbo” – “Humpback” – see below], to carry message to Hugo [Uguccione RANIERI di Sorbello, see “I.S.9 Captain Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello”]; still at large.

Plus one parachutist already dropped at RATBERRY.

[Note. Parachutists “Battista” [full name unknown] and Mario Mottes were dropped at Porchia (near Montalto Marche) on January 17, 1944. Mario Mottes’ parachute opened late and he suffered from ribs fractures, and therefore was unable to return to the Allied lines. On March 10, the Gestapo and S.S. raided the base of Porchia and captured him. He was interrogated and next day, on March 11, 1944, he was shot with three POWs. See reports by Captain Stipa and “Honor Recommended for Mario Mottes”]:

2. Other Italian Army Personnel:

Lt. [Lieutenant, “Tenente”] Dario [surname unknown] – acted as listening post and receiving post at San Vito [Chietino]; now C.C. [Corpo Carabinieri?] agents, stores, etc. to be part of scheme MILKY WAY [see above].

3. Local Guides

Antonio [Pantalone, from Guardiagrele] – has performed many missions; most recent batch of prisoners, eleven from Chieti.

Zopito Di Camillo – has already done good work since Nov. [November] Helped with the thirty-one ex P/Ws [ex-prisoners of war] from Sulmona.

Alberto Pietrorazzo [Pietrorazio, nickname “Le oss”] – several missions; helped bring through twenty-three from same area.

Marcello [surname unknown, nickname “il Gobbo” or “il Gobbetto” – “Humpback”] – Dispatched with parachutist Umberto [Baldini] to carry messages to Hugo [Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello, see link above].

[Note. This non-parachutist guide is mentioned in Captain Stipa’s papers as “Marcello “il Gobbo” or “il Gobbetto” – Humpback” or “Marcello secondo” – second, in order to distinguish him from the other Marcello, parachutist, listed above.

He is also mentioned by “A” Force Agent Elio Tremaroli (cover name “Pino,” see above), when interviewed in 2005 by Alessando Perini (see page 174 of his book I Diari di Babka). Elio says that after he and parachutist Molesini were captured by the Germans (end of February 1944, while trying to cross the lines near Guardiagrele) and interrogated, they suspected that Marcello “Humpback”, Captain Stipa’s collaborator from Milan, could have revealed secret information to the Germans. A few months later, USAAF Intelligence Captain Richard W. B. Lewis warned Elio that Marcello was probably an infiltrated spy and told Elio to eliminate him as soon as he was sure about it. But Elio replied “I am sorry, I will hand him over to you [the Allies], I am unable of killing cold blood.” Elio does not say what happened after that].

Emilio Galeo – in Hospital for operation.

4. Civilian Helpers

Domenico [SILVESTRI, nick name “Minguccio”] – resident of Sulmona; helped bring through 31 from Sulmona and returned to assist with Brigadiers’ party.

Gino [RANALLI, nick name “Mezzabotte”] – same as above.

5. Ratberry Agents On This Side [of the front]

Andrea [Scattini] – returned from Hugo [Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello]; [In his previous December 16–29 report, Captain Robb states that Andrea arrived at the Allied lines of the New Zealand Division with ex-POW Lance Corporal Spiro on December 21, 1943]; presently acting as intelligence officer for briefing, etc. one of the original planners of MILKY WAY [Plan to extend Ratberry North and possibly East, to take POWs to Switzerland and/or to Yugoslavia, see above].

[See “Andrea Scattini—Youthful I.S.9 Agent” and “A Letter of Tribute to Andrea Scattini.”]

Ermanno [Finocchi] – same as above. [See “Ermanno Finocchi to ‘Carlo’ Orlandini.”]

Fausto [Simonetti] – awaiting immediate return to Ratberry.

[Spartaco] Perini – returning with Fausto [Simonetti]. [See “I.S.9 Agent Spartaco Perini.”]

[Andrew] Robb [signed]
Capt. [Captain]

No. 5 “A” Force Field Sec. [Section]
In the Field [Lanciano], Jan [January] 28, [19]44.

I received word today about an excellent short film available online.

The referral was from my friends at Associazione Salerno 1943—a group of Italian volunteers who are dedicated to investigation of WW II Allied plane crash sites in Italy, and to preservation of the memory of the airmen who lost their lives.

The film, A Soldier of the Second World War, (youtu.be/JSD5eBH9cAE) concerns Lieutenant Cornelius Cecil Geldard, an pilot of the South African Allied Forces of the Royal Air Force. His Spitfire fighter was shot down over southern Italy on March 30, 1944. He died in the crash at the age of 32.

A Soldier of the Second World War was written, filmed, and directed by Vincenzo Campitiello and Letizia Musacchia, and was recently released by INDIGO sas.

The sensitively-crafted film is a beautiful tribute not only to Lieutenant Gelgard, but to all who lost their lives during the war, many of whom are buried far away in foreign soil.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations, in 154 countries.

There are many war cemeteries throughout Italy—ranging in size from Cassino, where 3,983 are buried, to communal cemeteries where a single soldier rests.

You can learn more about Lieutenant Gelgard and the recovery of the Spitfire in which he died on a page of the Salerno 1943 website, “Lo Spitfire JF879.” English speakers can access the page in English.

On this site, read also “Remembering Robert Dickinson.”

The comune of Petritoli in the Italian Marche. Photograph by Monica Vitali (Wikimedia Commons).

There is a new development in the search for information about the escaped POW who was helped in the comune of Petritoli during the war. (See “Escaped Prisoner Sheltered in Petritoli.”)

My earlier post explained that Roberto Lucci is attempting to make contact with the family of an escaped prisoner who was sheltered by his great-grandfather, Luigi Lucci, in 1943–44.

Recently, Roberto was told by elders in Petritoli that William and David were part or all of the first or last names, so the soldier’s last name might have been something like David Williams or William Davidson.

However, since I published the earlier post, a document has surfaced in Petritoli identifying the escapee as “David Grif. prigioniero inglese” (David Grif. English prisoner).

Although the first name was recorded as David, is is conceivable that William was his middle name, or that William was his first name and David his middle name and that he preferred to be called David.

Grif is not a common English name, and the period suggests the name might be abbreviated. The “Alphabetical List” sent to me by Brian Sims, contains 81 soldiers with names beginning with “Grif”—Griffin, Griffith, and Griffiths.

There no soldiers in the list named Grif or Griff.

Only one of these men is identified as being interned in P.G. 59—I. G. Griffiths.

Thirteen have no specific camp identification. Of the 13, two stand out as a potential match for the name David Griffiths or David William Griffiths:

Griffiths, D. – Gunner – Army Number 917544 – Royal Artillery – R.O. Number 5

Griffiths, D. W. – Private – Army Number 4978406 – For’ters [Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)] – R.O. Number 20

Liberation of the Province of Ascoli Piceno (including Petritoli) by the Allied troops occurred on June 19, 1944. Therefore, the POW would have been recaptured by the Germans before that time.

Anyone with information concerning this POW can write to me at hilld@iu.edu.

Roberto Lucci’s grandmother, Elvira Lucci, was a young woman when her family sheltered the escaped prisoner. Note the civic tower of Petritoli in the distance in this photo.

Algiers, late 1942. Donald Robinson is on the far right.

Sergeant Donald George Robinson, Royal Artillery, was captured on January 21, 1943 during a night skirmish with Rommel’s Afrika Korp at Bou Arada in Tunisia. From North Africa, he was transferred to P.G. 59 in Servigliano.

In September 1943, Donald escaped with the other prisoners during the general breakout from camp that followed the signing of the armistice.

For several months, he was protected by the Luciano and Dezi families who lived in the countryside near the camp.

Through the help of local partisans, Donald returned to Allied control in May 1944.

Donald and his wife returned to Italy in the 1960s. They stayed with the Dezi family and visited with members of the Luciano family as well.

Donald died in 1992, at the age of 76.

Twenty-two years later, Donald’s daughter, Georgina Stewart, traveled to the Marche with her husband John. Aided by Ian McCarthy and his wife Gabriella, they succeeded in finding members of both the Luciano and Dezi families.

Georgina recounted this adventure in a story she wrote for the Monte San Martino Trust website. See “Where Donald Robinson Hid.”

Nino Dezi with his wife Josephine. Georgina writes, “As as eight-year-old, Nino used to take food down the hill to my father, who was staying with the Luciano family. When my father and mother visited in the sixties, they stayed with the Dezi family.”

Nino Dezi with his wife Josephine with their family. Georgina and John Stewart are in the back row.

Georgina with Giovanni Luciano and his wife Rita, outside the house in the village where the couple lives today

In the two photos above, Giovanni Luciano and Georgina explore the house where Donald was sheltered. Although he was seven years old when Donald stayed with his family, Giovanni has memories of him.

This photo, Georgina writes, shows “the entrance to the cattle byre in the house where my father was hidden.”

Donald Robinson received this letter from Mariano Luciani in 1960.

Penna S. Giovanni
( Macerata )
March, 19th 1960

Dear Mr. Robinson:-

Received your letter and to hear that all of your family is well and thank God we too are in good health. Attilio Dezi gave us your pictures, and all of us were very glad of them.

Regarding yours staying with us sixteen years ago, we assure you that, humanly speaking, we did our duty and we are quite sure that you would have done the same thing.

Over here we are doing nicely and thank God we are doing nicely and have plenty of everything. The family below us send you their regards, Attilio Dezi gave us your package and it was opened. Many thanks for it.

Not having anything else to say, we all send you our very best regards

Sincerely Yours

[signed] Mariano Luciani

Luciani Mariano
Contra Saletta
Penna S. Giovanni
( Macerata )

This letter from the War Office was the official notification of Donald Robinson’s status as missing-in-action.

R. A. RECORD & PAY OFFICE
FIELD BRANCH
4 – FEB 1943
FOOTS CRAY, SIDCUP, KENT.

MADAM,

I regret to have to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office to the effect that (No.) 318797 (Rank) W/Sgt (Name) ROBINSON Donald George (Regiment) Royal Artillery was posted as missing on the 23d January 1943 In North Africa.

The report that he is missing does not necessarily mean he has been killed, as he may be a prisoner of war or temporarily separated from his regiment.

Official reports that men are prisoners of war take some time to reach this country, and if he has been captured by the enemy it is probable that unofficial news will reach you first. In that case I am to ask you to forward any postcard or letter received at once to this Office and it will be returned to you as soon as possible.

Should any further official information be received it will be at once communicated to you.

I am, MADAM,
Your obedient Servant,
(signature)
for Officere in charge of Records.

IMPORTANT. Any change of your address should me immediately notified to this Office.