R.A. Special Case

Giuseppe Saporiti was born in Cortona (Arezzo) Italy on the 26th September 1891. A shopkeeper, Giuseppe lived with his wife Antonietta at 12 Blackhill Road, Hordern Colliery, Durham, England when he was arrested on the 10th June 1940. The 1939 Census listed his occupation as Ice Cream Manufacturer and Confectioner Sweets.

On the 19th January 1942, Giuseppe’s return to the UK was authorised for consideration under Category 22 of the White Paper: Category 22. Any person as to whom the Tribunal, appointed by the Secretary of State, reported that he had, since childhood or for at least 20 years, lived continuously or almost continuously in Great Britain; had long severed connections with his country of nationality; that his associations and interests were British; and that he was friendly towards this country. (White Paper, Civilian Internees of Enemy Nationality, Home Office)

Giuseppe was released to the UK on the 17th July 1942 boarding the SS Themistocles in Sydney, New South Wales.  He travelled with 16 other UK Italian internees and disembarked on the 17th October 1942 in Liverpool, England.

He was re-interned on the Isle of Man but on the 26th July 1943, Giuseppe was released as a Special Case: Category 18: Special cases of extreme hardship, such as where a parent, wife or child was dangerously ill. (White Paper, Civilian Internees of Enemy Nationality, Home Office)

On the 3rd December 1947, Giuseppe died in West Hartlepool, Durham, England.