The Hunt for Franco Scoletta

I am seeking assistance in finding the history and a photograph of FRANCO SCOLETTA, who worked with the British Forces (MI9/A Force) during World War 2 in Italy. He was an 18 year old man, who helped a member of my family in his own escape from a PG47 (Modena POW camp) in September 1943 and then subsequently worked with MI9/A Force during 1943 and 1944, rescuing other escaped POWs back to the British lines. He was an extremely courageous young man and I would like to know more about him and what he did after the war.

For his work he was given the British Empire Medal (BEM) but I believe it was never awarded to him.

I have been in contact with the Archivio di Stata di Pavia, who have no knowledge and I have received no response to a request for information from the Milan Archives but I have received the NARA file about him, which states that he lived in Via Panicarola 6, Milano.

Any help/advice/guidance in this search would be greatly appreciated.

 

HSTS,

Just in case you have not got this / these: “Courage of the Very Highest Order”

A snippet:

From: Camp 59 Survivors

The entry refers to I.S. 9 (as part of MI9).

Might an option be to follow the trail of Captain (later Major) Bridges George McGibbon-Lewis? Bio details on: I.S.9 Officers—Biography He does not appear here.

His BEM Award is recorded, but not online and would have to be ordered: Franco Scoletta . Date of birth: 1925 [Aged 18 in 1943 ]. Place of birth: not specified.... | The National Archives

 

Thanks for this information - McGibbon-Lewis is my distant relative and I do now know about his military career, after much research - however although Franco Scoletta was very brave and I have his citation etc…there doesn’t seem to be any background info on him!

 

HSTS,

All noted. We might have to wait for our Italian members to spot the thread and help.

Could his name be an alias / false?

 

I hope someone can shed some light on this young man! I don't think Franco Scoletta is an alias as I have McGibbon-Lewis's report, the National Archives British records of his award recommendation and also a copy of the NARA held file for his request to the Allied Screening Commission - so I think that during the war his name was correct: however perhaps he subsequently changed his name....I don't know the answer to that question.

 

HSTS,

I did PM tedfromscrubs who is involved with: Monte San Martino Trust – Celebrating bravery He has yet to respond, I know he is a busy man. Might be worth checking their website.

 

Thank you for this message. I am in touch with the Monte San Martino Trust and am awaiting a reply to several questions. I am chasing as many leads as possible so I am very grateful for your help. Have a great weekend