Camp cook and butcher

Celeste Gauna was born in Tina (Aosta) Italy on the 19th May 1899. He worked as a chef at London hotels and was living with his wife Ida at 90 Lamb Conduit Street, London when he was arrested on the 13th June 1940.

From the 8th March 1944 until the 9th January 1945, Celeste resided in Loveday Camp 14D, South Australia. His report noted that he was anti-fascist, he worked in the camp kitchen as cook and butcher. He was a good type who was very willing and had a clean record. His Loveday Report was in contrast to his Tatura Report.

He had appeared before the Overseas Investigation Board Loveday on the 3rd October 1944 and it was concluded: On the face of it, these official reports are startling, since they are entirely opposed to each other.  The Board feels that the apparent change of attitude may be caused not only by the progress of the war but also by the reason of the greater freedom and better facilities which exist at Loveday for segregating various shades of political opinion. (NAA: A367, C75101)

While in Tatura Camp 2A, Celeste spent time at the Mooroopna and Waranga Hospitals from the 17th April to the 28th April 1943.  At Loveday Camp 14D on the 28th September 1944, Celeste sustained an injury to his little finger while opening cans of beef. The finger required four stitches and Celeste made claim for sick leave payment for the days he could not work.

On the 10th May 1945, Celeste was released for work with the Civil Aliens Corps in forestry. Celeste was with another eleven UK Italian internees when the ship Athlone Castle docked at Southampton on 28th February 1946. The ship’s register noted his address as 79 Lambs Conduit Street, Russell Square, London.