Released on 22nd July 1943
- Joanne Tapiolas
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Antonio Bartolomeo Luigi Berni was born in Bardi (Parma) Italy on the 31st January 1885. As early as 1901, Antonio was living in 9 Old Market Lane Neath, Wales working in the ice cream industry as a worker/hawker.
In 1908, Antonio married Maria Servini and by 1911, they were living at 27 Bailey Street, Brynmawr, Wales. Antonio listed his occupation as a refreshment housekeeper.
Many Italian migrants from Bardi (Parma) settled in Wales and it is not surprising that Antonio and Maria were part of the larger Welsh-Italian community of the Rabiaotti and Servini families, with some members of these families also interned with Antonio in Australia. Antonio’s son Lazzaro (Joe) was also interned but was sent to the Isle of Man.
In 1939, the Berni family of Antonio, Maria, children Luigi, Maria and Lazzaro (Leslie/Joe) were living at 66 Rainbow Hill, Worchester, England and Antonio was listed as a café proprietor.
Antonio was arrested on the 10th June 1940 in Worchester and taken to Paigton Internment Camp. His son Leslie Joseph was arrested and interned on the Isle of Man.
Antonio's time in Australia was brief. He arrived in Melbourne, on the 3rd September 1940 and after living in Tatura and Loveday Camps, he was released for transfer to the UK on the 24th October 1942. He boarded the SS Desirade and was transshipped on the SS Johan Van Oldenbarnevelt which arrived in Liverpool, England on the 15th January 1943.
Antonio was re-interned on the Isle of Man for another six months until his release on the 22nd July 1943 as a Special Case.
In 1947 Antonio and Maria were living at 80 Mackworth Road, Glamorgan, Wales. On the 21st January 1949, Antonio received his Certificate of Naturalisation and was living in Neath, Glamorganshire, Wales. Antonio Berni died on the 27th July 1953 at Neath.
Granddaughter Carolina Berni provides valuable insight into the Berni family: The family went on to be very successful in the catering business opening cafes and restaurants, a butcher shop and a fruit and veg shop, as well as a ballroom, all in Neath, South Wales.
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