London Maître d’Hotel

Ernesto Simonelli was born in Trarego Viggiona (Verbania) Italy on the 16th June 1897.  He was working in London as a head waiter/maître d’hotel when he was arrested on the 11th June 1940. He lived at 12 Stedham Chambers, Copitc Street, London and named his friend Emma Realis-Luc as his next of kin .

He was released from Tatura Camp 2A, Victoria on the 30th November 1943 and boarded the SS Themistocles, departing 2nd December 1943.  Onboard were 12 other UK Italian internees. The journey to the UK was via Wellington NZ, Panama, Jamaica and New York, arriving in Cardiff, Wales on 14th February 1944.

Ernesto was re-interned on the Isle of Man until the 23rd May 1944 when he was released to the ILB (Labour Battalion?).

Tatura, Australia. January 1943. Group of Italian internees from overseas now interned at Tatura Internment Camp. Back row, left to right: G. Galbiati; U. Giovine; G. Berni; P. Beschizza; N. Cua; F. Amato. Front row: G. Cua; E. Simonelli; G. Guarnieri; P. Tolaini.