The letter shown here and an accompanying list of Allied servicemen referred to in the letter are among many documents from the British National Archives that Brian Sims shared with me during our brief two-year friendship at the end of his life.

According to this communication, 51 ex-POWs were assisted by Domenico Mancini of “Monte Falcone” (presumably Montefalcone Appennino in the province of Fermo, in the Italian Marche).

There are two versions of the list, the first a carbon copy and the second a typed copy with some discrepancies and errors. Fortunately, it contains many service numbers that are useful in confirming some of the men’s identities.

The letter makes mention of the murder of prisoners at Comunanza (see “An Execution at Comunanza.”)

Here is the text of the letter, followed by the list of names:

SECRET
Ref: No.
SIB60/A-Gp/WC/45/9a.

H.Q., ‘A’ Group, 60 Section,
Special Investigation Branch,
c/o A.P.M’s Office, 61 Area,
Central Mediterranean Forces.

SUBJECT :- Ex-Prisoners of War.

To :-
D.A.P.M.
60 Section, S.I.B.

1. Herewith a list of 51 ex-prisoners of war mostly members of the United States Army. The names may come in useful at some later date as the list was commenced on 2nd October, 1943. MANCINI, now residing at MONTE FALCONE (Italy, 1:200,000. Sheet 14. MR. X(B)5687), lived for over 20 years in America. Some of the names on the original document, which was obtained by Sergeant HOWARTH and BURGESS., are difficult to decipher and other possible interpretations have been included. I am retaining the original as it may be required as an exhibit in file 9A.

2. Reference Progress Report No. 2. on file 9A, paragraph 3, LOUIS LYCKA’s personal number would appear to be 38028716 from the enclosed list (No. 10), and possibly the American authorities can trace him from this and let us have some information regarding his activities.

Check of the other names may reveal some relevant information as it is believed that the British ex-prisoners in this case were exhumed and transferred to another cemetery in August 1944, and that the bodies of the Americans at COMUNANZA have been searched by American personnel. If this is correct the respective Second Echelons may have the names of these people.

D. A. THORN. Lieut.
60 Section, S.I.B.

29 Mar ’45.

Copy to :- File.

DAT/GBG.

Copy.
October 2, 1943
We the undersigned vouch that Domenico Mancini had helped American and British prisoners in every way possible after their departure from POW camps by giving them food and shelter.

Sgt. Ernest Ellis – U.S. Army – 37003120
Pvt. Arthur Roberts – U.S. Army – 37157173
Pfc. Walter Frick – U.S. Army – 37026306
Pvt. Warren G. Myers – U.S. Army – 69922070
Sgt. John J. Procko – U.S. Army – 36107952
Cpl. Fiolka Frank – ? Army – 754
Cpl. Juszcrak Aufori – ? Army – 7265
Sgt. Taraseti W. L. – ? Army – 1538
Pte. Pateula V. – ? Army – 7806
Pfc. Lycka L. – USA – 38028716
Pvt. Mello H. – USA – 31034656
Sgt. Athol B. Gray – USA – 36052038
Pvt. Foulen T. – USA – 34350417
Pvt. Luther O. Shields – USA – 38009720
Pfc. Clifford Beam – USA – 37101648
Sgt. Paul Wakeland – USA – 6669758
Pvt. Faustino O. Sanchez – USA – 38159025
Pvt. Kirschner M. – USA – 32295989
Cpl. Louis Van Slooten – USA – 36151602
Pvt. Aloysius F. Starck – USA – 32057074
Pfc. Wilbur T. Guest – USA – 32057151
Pvt. Samuel R. Smith – USA – 34571402
Sgt. Herbert U. Millward – USA – 6947204
Pfc. Wally Largent – USA – 13023021
Pfc. John O. Everett – USA -34138090
Pvt. Raymond E. Cox – USA – 35261625 or 675
Cpl. Kenneth C. Robertson – USA – 39163898
Pte. Samuel Achibald – Scotland – 3191121
L/Cpl. James Wilson Tannock – Scotland – 3191222
Drv. Joseph Scofield – England – 4690241
William A. Duperreault – USA – Mass[achusetts] 6153246
Frank B. Le Ragin – Brooklyn, New York- Street 1778
Steve D. Stanton – USA – 32002702
Harry Hanman – USA -Penn[sylvania]
George Maddock – USA – Washington
Edward Mura – USA – New Jersey
Elmer M. Eckman – Kittanning, Pennsylvania – 33088486
Charles H. Ebright – USA – South Bend, Indiana 35254694
Pvt. Zeulah D. Ray or Roy – USA – 37130067
Charlie Dimmick – 98436774
Richard Sache – USA – 6805933
Jack Eisner – England – 2574260
Bdr. Prince C. W. – England -1438995
Cpl. L. Worthington – Australia – WX4449
Pte. R. E. A. Edwards – Australia – WX17234
Cpl. G. H. J. Harmer – England – 7895762
Sgt. Charles Gallo – U.S. Army – 6136765
Cpl. Charlie W. Smith – U.S. Army – 38060738
Pvt. Walter L. Kidd – U.S. Army – 35200125
Pfc. Alden P. Freeman – U.S. Army – 39376341
John D. Vaughn – U.S. Army – 38060793 or 0193
N. T. or N. C. Hill – W/O P65295 R.C.A.F. [Royal Canadian Air Force

Further Details

The stories of several men in this list are documented in posts on this website:

We know that Willis “Wally” Largent escaped from Camp 59 with John O. Everett. They were protected by Nazareno Lupi and his wife for nine months. The Lupi family lived near the town of Force in the province of Ascoli Piceno.

Luther Shields and Louis VanSlooten were sheltered by Luigi and Iginia Palmoni of Montefalcone Appennino.

Several Italian families assisted Raymond Cox after his escape from Camp 59, most notably Primo Mecossi who, with his wife and daughters, hid him in a cave and fed him.

Les Worthington and Robert E. A. Edwards traveled together behind enemy lines after their escape. They are two of nine Australians who escaped from Camp 59 during the September 1943 outbreak.

Charles Webster Smith—on this list—writes in his memoirs Wine, Bread, & Cheese: A POW’s Story of Survival in Italy that he and Charles Gallo of New Haven, Connecticut; Everett Kidd from Virginia; Raymond Johnson from Missouri; and William F. “Bill” Tschoerner from Jarrell, Texas, left Camp 59 together. Charles Gallo and Everett Kidd are on this list.

Travis L. Fowler, an American serviceman from Ohio, is listed as having died as a POW. This could mean that he died in captivity or died while on the run in enemy-occupied territory. Perhaps he was one of the Americans murdered in the Comunanza cemetery.

The names and addresses of many men in this document were written on individual cards in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards.”

Here are details on some of the men:

Sgt. Ernest Ellis – U.S. Army – 37003120

Ernest C. Ellis
Serial Number-37003120
Sergeant
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-Kansas
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 21 Chieti Italy 42-14)

Ernest Ellis’ name and address (above) were written on a card in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards,” January 5, 2009.

Pvt. Arthur Roberts – U.S. Army – 37157173

Arthur R. Roberts
Serial Number-37157173
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Kansas
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated but no camp listed)

Arthur Roberts’ name and address (above) were written on a card in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards,” January 5, 2009.

Pfc. Walter Frick – U.S. Army – 37026306

Walter P. Frick
Serial Number-37026306
Private
U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers-Engineer
State of Residence-Minnesota
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Pvt. Warren G. Myers – U.S. Army – 69922070

Warren G. Myers
Serial Number-6992070
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-none listed
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Sgt. John J. Procko – U.S. Army – 36107952

John J. Procko, Jr.
Serial Number-36104952
Corporal
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-Michigan
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

John Procko’s name and address (above) were written on a card in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards,” January 5, 2009.

Cpl. Fiolka Frank – ? Army – 754

No further information

Cpl. Juszcrak Aufori – ? Army – 7265

No further information

Sgt. Taraseti W. L. – ? Army – 1538

No further information

Pte. Pateula V. – ? Army – 7806

No further information

Pfc. Lycka L. – USA – 38028716

Louis Lycka
Serial Number-38028716
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Forces
State of Residence-Texas
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 – Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11)

Pvt. Mello H. – USA – 31034656

Herman J. Mello
Serial Number-31034656
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Massachusetts
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Sgt. Athol B. Gray – USA – 36052038

Athol B. Gray
Serial Number-36052038
Sergeant
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-Illinois
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Athol Gray’s name and address (above) were written on a card in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards,” January 5, 2009.

Pvt. Foulen T. – USA – 34350417

Travis L. Fowler
Serial Number-34350417
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-Ohio
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Died as Prisoner of War, but no camp is listed)

Pvt. Luther O. Shields – USA – 38009720

Luther C. Shields
Serial Number-38009720
Private
U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers-Armored (Divisional)
State of Residence-not listed
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Pfc. Clifford Beam – USA – 37101648

Clifford Beam
Serial Number-37101648
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-no state listed
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Sgt. Paul Wakeland – USA – 6669758

Paul I. Wakefield
Serial Number-6669758
Sergeant
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armed Forces
State of Residence-Kentucky
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Paul Wakeland’s name and address (above) were written on a card in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards,” January 5, 2009.

Pvt. Faustino O. Sanchez – USA – 38159025

Faustino Sanchez
Serial Number-38159025
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Texas
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Pvt. Kirschner M. – USA – 32295989

Morris Kirschner
Serial Number-32295989
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-New York
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)
Cpl. Louis Van Slooten – USA – 36151602

Cpl. Louis Van Slooten – USA – 36151602

Louis J. VanSlooten
Serial Number-36151602
Corporal
U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers-Armored (Divisional)
State of Residence-Illinois
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Louis VanSlooten’s name and address (above) were written on a card in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards,” January 5, 2009.

Pvt. Aloysius F. Starck – USA – 32057074

Aloysius F. Starck
Serial Number-32057074
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-no state listed
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Stalag 2B Hammerstein (99 work camps in vicinity of Koslin & Stolp) West Prussia 53-17)

Pfc. Wilbur T. Guest – USA – 32057151

Wilbur T. Guest
Serial Number-32057151
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-New Jersey
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Stalag 3B Furstenberg Brandenburg, Prussia (Also KDOS [USA] #1-5; ARB BTNS 225-255) 52-14)

Pvt. Samuel R. Smith – USA – 34571402

Samuel R. Smith
Serial Number-34571402
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry
State of Residence-Georgia
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Sgt. Herbert U. Millward – USA – 6947204

Herbert U. Millward
Serial Number-6947204
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry
State of Residence-At Sea
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Pfc. Wally Largent – USA – 13023021

Willis Largent
Serial Number-13023021
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Tennessee
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Pfc. John O. Everett – USA -34138090

John O. Everett
Serial Number-34138090
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Military Police
State of Residence-Mississippi
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Pvt. Raymond E. Cox – USA – 35261625 or 675

Raymond E. Cox
Serial Number-35261675
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-West Virginia
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Cpl. Kenneth C. Robertson – USA – 39163898

Kenneth C. Robertson
Serial Number-39163898
Corporal
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-California
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Pte. Samuel Achibald – Scotland – 3191121

No further information

L/Cpl. James Wilson Tannock – Scotland – 3191222

No further information

Drv. Joseph Scofield – England – 4690241

No further information

William A. Duperreault – USA – Mass[achusetts] 6153246

William A. Duperreault
Serial Number-6153246
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry
State of Residence-No state listed
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Frank B. Le Ragin – Brooklyn, New York- Street 1778

No prisoners with the surname of le Ragin, Leragin, or Ragin are listed in the National Archives database. However, this serviceman might be be a match:

Frank B. Cragin
Serial Number-32197789
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-New York
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Hospital Caserta Caserta Italy 41-14)

Steve D. Stanton – USA – 32002702

No Steve Stanton with a middle initial of D. is listed in the National Archives database, and there is no match to the serial number, but this Steve G. Stanton match has a serial number that varied by one digit and so is a likely match:

Steve G. Stanton
Serial Number-32002732
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-New York
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Hospital Caserta Caserta Italy 41-14)

Harry Hanman – USA -Penn[sylvania]

In the National Archives database there is no listing for anyone with the surname Hanman.

George Maddock – USA – Washington

George W. Maddock
Serial Number-39193058
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Washington
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Edward Mura – USA – New Jersey

Edward Mura
Serial Number-32303781
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-New Jersey
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Elmer M. Eckman – Kittanning, Pennsylvania – 33088486

Elmer M. Eckman
Serial Number-33088486
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Pennsylvania
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Charles H. Ebright – USA – South Bend, Indiana 35254694

Charles H. Ebright
Serial Number-35254694
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Indiana
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Pvt. Zeulah D. Ray or Roy – USA – 37130067

Zulah D. Ray
Serial Number-37130067
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-Missouri
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

Charlie Dimmick – 98436774

The only Dimmick listed in the National Archives database is Carl Dimmick. He has a serial number that is completely different that the one recorded for Charlie Dimmick.

Richard Sache – USA – 6805933

In the National Archives database there is no listing for anyone with the surname of Sache or Sach, or this serial number listed for Richard Sache.

Jack Eisner – England – 2574260

No further information

Bdr. Prince C. W. – England – 1438995

No further information

Cpl. L. Worthington – Australia – WX4449

Leslie Worthington
WX4449
Lance Corporal, Australian Army Corps-2nd/28th Batallion

Pte. R. E. A. Edwards – Australia – WX17234

Was with Leslie Worthington on the run

Cpl. G. H. J. Harmer – England – 7895762

No further information

Sgt. Charles Gallo – U.S. Army – 6136765

Charles Gallo
Serial Number-6136465
Sergeant
U.S. Army, Infantry-Rifle
State of Residence-Connecticut
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Cpl. Charlie W. Smith – U.S. Army – 38060738

Charlie W. Smith
Serial Number-38060738
Corporal
U.S. Army, Medical Department-Armored Force
State of Residence-Texas
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated-no camp listed)

Charlie W. Smith’s name and address (above) were written on a card in Luther Shields’ deck of playing cards. See post “Dual Purpose Deck of Cards,” January 5, 2009.

Pvt. Walter L. Kidd – U.S. Army – 35200125

Everette L. Kidd
Serial Number-35200125
Private
U.S. Army, Medical Department-Armored Infantry
State of Residence-West Virginia
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated from CC 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43-13)

Pfc. Alden P. Freeman – U.S. Army – 39376341

Alden P. Freeman
Serial Number-39376341
Private First Class
U.S. Army, Infantry-Parachute Infantry
State of Residence-no state listed
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (CC 66 Capua Italy 41-14)

John D. Vaughn – U.S. Army – 38060793 or 0193

John D. Vaughn
Serial Number-38060793
Private
U.S. Army, Infantry-Armored Force
State of Residence-Texas
Source: U.S. National Archives, World War II Prisoners of War Data Files, documenting the period December 7, 1941-November 19, 1946 (Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated, but no camp is listed)

N. T. or N. C. Hill – W/O P65295 R.C.A.F. [Royal Canadian Air Force]

No further information