Maître D'hôtel of the Savoy

Armando Tiziano Virgilio Bertuzzi was born in Venezia, Italy on the 15th October 1903.

He was arrested on the 11th June 1940 in the Metropolitan Police District ‘T’ of London. In 1939, Armando and his wife Emily were living at 36 The Ridgeway, London and he was listed as Assistant Restaurant Manager.

Armando was released to UK from Tatura Camp on the 30th November 1943 and returned to the UK on the SS Themistocles which arrived in Cardiff, Wales on the 14th February 1944. He was one of 13 Dunera Italians on the voyage. His UK address was listed in the ship’s register as ‘Dydraeth’, Green Land, Crowthorne and his occupation listed as Maître D’Hotel.

His British internment record documented that he was re-interned and transferred to the Isle of Man. On the 11th May 1944, Armando was released from internment. 

An newspaper article from February 1958, provides details about Armando's career before and after internment.

Memory for faces

To all his friends - and he has thousands - he is just Mr. Amanda but he was born Armando Bertuzzi-Amanda in his native Venice.

Mr Amanda after 13 years as manager of the Savoy Restaurant, traditionally the leading appointment of its kind among restaurateurs, leaves at the end of the month to take up an administrative appointment with a large catering concern.

It was 36 years ago when Mr Amanda first came to London from Italy to take a job at the Carlton. From there he went to the Royal Automobile Club and then to Claridges before taking up the position he is shortly to relinquish.

He has friends in all parts of the world including members of Royalty and the nobility and the theatrical profession and the film industry and among those who are 'greats' in numerous professions.

In this job he told me last night, 'you must have a good memory. It is not a gift, you must cultivate it. A good memory for faces; a photographic memory, otherwise you can never to the job properly.

(Newcastle Journal Tuesday 25th February 1958)

He departed the Savoy Hotel to take up a position as Director of Forte Catering.

On the 4th January 1960, Armando married Virginia De Gallegos, a former Costa Rica Envoy to Britain.

Armando Bertuzzi - Amanda Director of Forte Catering Firm with his fiancée former Costa Rica Envoy to Britain Virginia De Gallegos 24 November 1959 (Shutterstock)