This Italian Citizen who was a member of the British Armed Forces took part in Operation Colossus the attack on the aqueduct at Tragino - he was employed as an Italian interpreter on the operation - he was captured & later shot by the Italians The only possible date I can come with for his death is Palm Sunday 1941 (April) I strongly believe that he should be commemorated by the CWGC Does anyone have any authorative sources on this operation which gives his name or any possible alias that he may have used Chris
Some material here on the new paradata resource that might be worth looking through, the action reports for example. CS Tragino (Operation Colossus) | ParaData
Chris As a matter of interest do you know where he is buried/commemorated? I will have a look through my stuff at the weekend to see what I've got!! Andy
Andy at present all I now is that is was shot in Rome - would be grateful for anything you might be able to find Chris
He was also a member of SOE.....there will be a bit on him in the book 'Striking Back' which has three chapters on the Tragino raid.....not sure he was shot in Rome....he certainly was in Naples prison with the other captured memebers of Colossus.....
Assume you've been here Chris, but just to flesh out the story for the rest of us: Last letters of sentenced to death of Italian Resistance First patriot? Translated version of http://resistenzatoscana.it/biografie/picchi_fortunato/ Reference to a Times obituary but I can't find it online.
Chris, Having read your first post properly....the answers are he will be 'officially' mentioned in the Operation Colossus files in the DEFE series at the NA......my immediate response to getting him CWGC recognition would be very difficult....he had not as far as I am aware changed his nationality to English and so can't be commemorated by the CWGC......my next thought would be the Italian war graves commission if they have such a body....a question for the forum.....how are Italians who changed sides after the 'general surrender' in September 1943 and died fighting with the Allies commemorated? Also I guess in most official bodies eyes he was a civilian and so getting the military involved will again be difficult.....and finally 'shot as a traitor'......
That is something that I have been giving some thought to - as he was a naturalized British citizen he should at least make the CWGC Civilian Roll Of Honour; however I think that the answer to his status will be in his SOE file at the NA Chris
Chris, Well done...he had got British citizenship but I guess this wouldn't cut much ice with the Italians once he'd been captured.....
Stephen thanks for the Times extract Have just got a copy of his SOE file & it confirms that he was a British soldier Chris
Actually the file has muddied the waters with regard to his military status; however he has been submitted to CWGC for recognition