Head chef on luxury liners

Germano Nino Molinari was born in Nesso (Como) Italy on the 2nd August 1902.  He was arrested on the 10th June 1940 in Southampton, England where he lived at 64 Cobbett Road. On his documents he was listed as restaurant proprietor and chef (marine). In 1939, he had been living at Mildmay Park, Islington and working as a chef.  He listed his nephew, Mario Argenti of Nesso, Lake Como, Italy as his next of kin.

He had an extensive experience of over 20 years as the head chef on the luxury liners for the Cunard and White Lines. Germano was also an experienced caterer who worked at London’s Mansions Houses, debutant balls and Royal Command Performances.

Ancestry.com. UK and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008.

He was released to return to the UK on the 30th November 1943 with twelve others and boarded the SS Themistocles on the 2nd December 1943.  Upon arrival in Cardiff, Wales on the 14th February 1944, he was reinterned and sent to the Isle of Man.  There are two notations regarding his release from internment on the 17th May 1944: RA ILB and special case.

The London Gazette of 21st November 1947 advertised the granting of Certificate of Naturalisation to Germano Molinari, Supervising Chef, 64 Cobbett Road, Bitterne Park, Southampton. 

On the 8th July 1954, Germano was photographed by Associated News, working as chef at Café de Paris, London. He worked as Maître Chef with Café de Paris’ controlling company Mecca Cafés for many years before moving to Southampton to work as chef of the New Shakespeare Theatre Club in October 1957.

Germano died on the 30th October 1977 in Southampton. He was 75 years old.