Not in good health

Enrico Fortura was born in Belmonte Castello (Frosinone) Italy on the 1st January 1908. He was working as a shopkeeper for his father’s confectionery business in Forfar, Scotland when he was arrested on the 11th June 1940. Enrico’s mother Teresa was named as his next of kin and she resided at 59 Castle Street, Forfar.

He had arrived in Scotland in 1924 and had never returned to Italy. 

In Tatura Camps, Enrico worked in the hygiene/sanitation party and he associated with Luigi Jannetta, also a shopkeeper from Scotland.  He was considered to be a quiet type and a true Italian.

On the 16th May 1944, Enrico was released on parole for work in the Civil Aliens Corps in forestry. In September 1944 after 18 days in hospital for pleurisy, he applied for work more suitable to his health condition.

Enrico wrote: Firstly I wish to point out that since I have been employed by the Forest Commissioner I have always carried out my duties and tried my utmost in order to get accustomed to this hard work but unfortunately my health mostly due to a weak heart has let me down on several occasions and lately following an attack of pleurisy which kept me in Hospital at Wangaratta for 18 days…I am expected to start my work again, but I feel I shall be incapable to do so… Mr Seaton has no other job to offer me… at the present junction I have no money left and I owe the Hospital the sum of 11 pounds.  I sincerely trust that you will realise the seriousness of my position and should you not be in favour to consider my case I have no other alternative left but to ask you to send me back to Camp No. 2 Tatura… (NAA: MT8/4 Fortura, Enrico)

He was sent for a medical examination and the report informed the authorities that Enrico was only suitable for camp orderly duties and part time roadwork.

Enrico arrived as a ‘released internee’ on the Athlone Castle in Liverpool, England on the 29th March 1945.  He died in 1953 in Forfar, Scotland at the age of 45 years.