Michele Fagiano

Michele Fagiano died at Waranga Hospital*, Victoria, Australia on the 29th January 1943. He was born on the 26th June 1880 in Cherasco (Cuneo) Italy.  He had lived with his wife Violet Alice at Upper Marsh, London, England and the couple had two children: Michele and John.  Michele worked as a head waiter at the Piccadilly Hotel in London.

Michele was a survivor of the sinking of the Arandora Star and endured the 55-day hellish journey onboard the Dunera before arriving in Melbourne then Tatura Camp on the 3rd September 1940.

He was 62 years old when he died and his death was attributed to myocardial degeneration. Michele’s death was published in The Argus on the 22nd March 1943 in the Law Notices: Fagiano, Michele late of Tatura, waiter, died on 29th January 1943, intestate.

In Tatura Camp 2 notices, Michele’s death and funeral is noted: E25071 Michele Fagiano died at Waranga Hospital on 29 January 1943 at 22.30 hrs. The funeral was attended by the Compound Leader (A) and 9 other UK Italian internees at Tatura Cemetery on 30th January 1943. (NAA:MP70/1 37/101/185/Tatura Part 1)

He was buried on the 30th January 1943 at the Tatura Cemetery, Victoria, Australia.

The Ossario at Murchison Cemetery, Victoria is now the final resting place for Michele, one of 130 Italian prisoners of war and internees who died in Australia during WW2.

Michele Fagiano: Rest in Peace Ossario Murchison Cemetery (courtesy of Joanne Tapiolas)

*Known as the Waranga Hospital, it was also referred to as the 28 Australian Camp Hospital (28 ACH), providing medical services for the prisoners of war and internees held in camps in the area.