Category Archives: Rescue Efforts

Rescue Plan—Generals and Civilians

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M.I.9 Activity in Italy

M.I.9 (British Directorate of Military Intelligence Section 9), a department of the War Office during WW II, was active in rescuing prison camp escapees from enemy territory in Italy as early as October 1943.

Also known as “A Force,” the group arranged operations for guiding the escapees to the sea, where they were put on available vessels—often fishing boats—and skippered south to freedom.

Researcher Brian Sims helped me sort out names of relevant units within M.I.9.

“The term ‘A’ Force is used quite loosely at times,” he explained.

“In the desert, ‘A’ Force set up all deception schemes. N Section was a part of that unit with responsibilities regarding help given to escapers. N Section was renamed I.S.9 (Intelligence School 9) late in 1943.

“The problem came with the word Intelligence which was looked upon with suspicion in adjoining countries such as Yugoslavia. This was avoided by just using the blanket title ‘A Force’ which alleviated any suspicious attitude, and in turn promoted collaboration.”

Section 5, a unit within N Section, is said to have been operating in the Marche area.

I came across the term “rat-line” in a document Brian sent me pertaining to Adriatic coastline rescue of POWs.

He explained, “A ratline was a route established by ‘A’ Force. In this case towards the coastal areas; 5 Section worked in the general area which was in turn partly controlled by the ‘Ratberry’ Mission. Confusing isn’t it!”

The Rescue Operational Plan

Here are two document from the British National Archives that are courtesy of Brian. Both papers describe an plan to rescue, by fishing vessel, two British generals and an American corporate executive and his family hiding in enemy territory.

There are a couple of things that I find of particular interest in these two papers:

An Italian “A” Force agent, Lieutenant Ruggero Cagnazzo, was involved in this planned rescue. Signor Cagnazzo was a key player in the rescue of POWs from behind the lines. His name will appear on this site again in accounts to come. Also, there is mention of what seems to be a more comprehensive rescue mission in the works.

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Rescues along the Adriatic Coastline

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The letter below from Captain Charles H. Duffett, Royal Navy, to his superior officer, offers insight into the efforts that were being made by the Allies to rescue fugitive prisoners of war along the Adriatic Sea coast a month after Italy’s surrender was announced.

This document, from the British National Archives, is courtesy of researcher Brian Sims.

15th Army Group.

17th October, 1943.

Sir,

I have the honour to report that, after receiving your orders on 5th October to proceed forthwith to TERMOLI to ascertain what co-operation was required with regard to evacuation of escaped prisoners of war and to take command of landing craft there, I arrived at TERMOLI at 2300 on 5th October.

The Germans were on the outskirts of the town, 38th Brigade was being disembarked in the harbor from L.C.I’s. [landing craft, infantry] and periodic shelling of the town and harbour was taking place.

I found there was no Naval Officer in Charge of the Port. The only officer present was Lieutenant HILTON R.N.V.R. [Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve] who was acting as Liaison Officer to the S.S. Brigade and who was doing what he could but a more senior officer was undoubted required.

A flotilla of L.C.A’s. [landing craft, assault] was also in the Port but had to anchor outside to avoid damage.

2. Having ascertained the plans already commenced by Lieut. Colonel SYMONDS and his future proposals for the evacuation of prisoners of war by sea, we together formulated plans for carrying this out.

I retained 3 L.C.I’s. for this purpose and ordered the remaining four to BARLETTA.

On 6th October the harbour and town were again shelled and dive bombed, but without damage to naval craft.

Operations with 3 L.C.I’s. were commenced on the night of 6/7th October using the beaches extending as far north as GROTTAMARE.

These were continued on subsequent nights until 9/10th when I decided that as it was imperative to avoid detection thereby compromising all future schemes, operations should not be carried out during the period of bright moonlight except to follow up reliable information. One further expedition however was carried out on the night of 12/13th October.

All these operations produced no result beyond the evacuation of some 20 prisoners by fishing boat.

Although prearranged signals to indicate the correct rendezvous had been instituted, the exact location of the beaches proved a matter of extreme difficulty in the dark and actually contact with shore parties was achieved at only one beach, 2½ miles north of GROTTAMARE, where, however, no prisoners of war had been brought down.

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