MV Abosso survivor

Ugo Achille Bonelli was born in Torino, Italy on the 31st March 1908.  He was arrested in Manchester, England and his Australian document recorded his next of kin as his mother, Virginia Bonelli, Flat 31, Hasherley [Hatherley] Court, London. His occupation was listed as Purchasing Agent (Buyer).

A letter dated the 13th July 1942, gave approval for Ugo to be returned for consideration by the Advisory Committee. At the time, Ugo was at Loveday Camp 10, South Australia but on the 7th August 1942 he was transferred to Tatura Camp via Broadmeadows Military Camp enroute to Sydney.  On the 12th August 1942, he was transferred to Liverpool Camp, New South Wales to await embarkation.

In total, there were 43 internees returning to the UK at this time, seven were Italian  and 36 were German. The internees boarded the Westernland at the end of August 1942 in Sydney and changed ships to the MV Abosso at Cape Town on the 10th October 1942. 

The MV Abosso was hit by a torpedo on 29th October 1942. It was reported that there were 31 survivors.

Ugo was the only internee to survive this maritime tragedy. The survivors were rescued on the 2nd November 1942 by the HMS Bideford which took them to Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

On the 23 December 1949, Achille Ugo Bonelli advertised his intention to apply for naturalisation in The West London Observer. He was living at 134 Watchfield, Sutton Court Road, London. 

On the 14th April 1950 Ugo was awarded his Certificate of Naturalisation.

(The West London Observer 23 December 1949)