Author Archives: Dennis Hill

I.S.9 War Diary—December 16–29, 1943

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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.

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The Alphabetical List—British Soldiers K–M

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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
Kelly, J. P. – Cpl. – 552447 – R.A.S.C. – R.O. No. 3
Kelly, 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

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Escaped Prisoner Sheltered in Petritoli

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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 great-grandfather in 1943–44.

Given the close proximity of his family’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.

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Charles Simmons’ Recovered Bowling Ring

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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!”

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A Small, Unexpected Gift

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

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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.”

John 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 EDWIN 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.”

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Cameron Highlander J. Drum

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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.”

Italian Helpers—Two Queries

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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

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I.S.9 War Diary—November 17–20, 1943

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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.

I.S.9 Progress Reports for November 4–21, 1943

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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.

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I.S.9 Situation Report—November 3–4, 1943

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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).

[Note in the entry below apparent misspelling of Italian names. Suggested corrections are in brackets.]

1800 – 4 boatmen – MAESTRANGOLO [probably MASTRANGELO] Italo, CORNELI Carmene [Carmine], PACCHIONO [the correct spelling could be PACCHIANO, PACCHIONE, or PACCHIONI] 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.