Constant worker in the compound kitchen

Giobatta Orlandi was born in Beverino (Spezia) Italy on the 29th August 1899.  At the time of his arrest on the 10th June 1940, he lived with his wife Ida, son and daughter at 287-289 High Street, Cowdenbeath, Scotland.

After serving in the Italian Army during WW1, Giobatta arrived in Scotland in 1921 and worked for his brother-in-law Paolo Pallizamani.  In 1923, he opened his own business, a café in Cowdenbeath. His wife Ida took over the operation of the café when Giobatta was arrested until October 1940 when due to Cowdenbeath being in a restricted area, the café closed. His family then moved to Glasgow. The 1940 Valuation Rolls reveal that Giobatta rented a garage at Factory Road, shop and offices at 287 High Street and a house at 289 High Street.

Giobatta was approved to return to the UK for appeal on the 22nd December 1942 and despite completing a ‘willingness to travel permission form’ did not depart Australia until February 1945.  He stated he had never joined the Fascist Party and had last visited Italy in 1932.  Giobatta was incensed and antagonistic about the affiliation of the Ex- Italian Servicemen’s Association with the Fascist Party.

He was a man of faith and a constant worker in the compound kitchen in Tatura Camp.  On the 16th May 1944, he was ‘released on parole’ for work with the Civil Aliens Corps in forestry.

On the 29th March 1945, Giobatta disembarked the SS Athlone Castle at Liverpool, England. His internment was over. The ship's register noted his address as 287 High Street, Cowdenbeath and his occupation as confectioner.