Camp tailor and watch maker

Michele Caira was born in Atina (Frosinone) Italy on the 27th November 1898.  He was arrested in London on the 11th June 1940, and his Australian document recorded his next of kin as his wife Annina Caira of 74 Lang Lane, Smithfield, London.

His occupation was restaurant proprietor/caterer and in Tatura Camp he was noted as the camp tailor and watch maker.  He was refused release on the 9th December 1943 and with 27 other UK Italian internees was transferred to Loveday Camp 14D. He arrived on the 8th March 1944 and returned to Tatura Camp 2A on the 1st August 1944. 

Michele’s camp report noted that he associated with Luigi Janetta, Sabatino Jannetta and Alberto Maciocia.  He was a decent quiet type and an excellent worker.

On medical grounds, Michele was unable to work with the Civil Aliens Corps but he was ‘released on parole’ and went to work at the Dookie Agricultural College on the 26th September 1944.

He sailed on the SS Athlone Castle to Liverpool England and arrived on the 29th March 1945 as a ‘released internee’.  He listed his address on the ship’s register as 72 David Street, Kirkaldy, Fife, Scotland. Michele died in Kilcardy on the 31st December 1970.

Tatura, Australia. January 1943. Group of Italian internees from overseas now interned at Tatura Internment Camp. Back row, left to right: P. Lucchesi; V. Di Rollo; A. Alonzi; O. Notarianni; G. Crolla; F. Apicella. Front row: E. Casci; G. Cocozza; M. Caira; S. Iannetta.