Released to work at The Perfect Cheese Co.

Antonio Cavanna was born in Bardi (Parma) Italy on the 27th October 1889.  On his Australian document, he listed his occupation as restaurant proprietor and his next of kin his wife, Francesca (née Rolleri) at 3 Market Street Tredegar, South Wales.  He was arrested in Wales on the 10th June 1940.

In 1921, Antonio was living and working with Luigi Barbutti a refreshment housekeeper of 40 Commercial Road, Tredegar.

He had initially signed up to work in the Civil Aliens Corps in forestry but in June 1944, he withdrew his name, as he was not fit for hard labour.  He was however willing to do light work.  Antonio was a friend of Ernesto Cordani, also from Wales.

On the 3rd October 1944, Antonio together with Francesco Rabaiotti also from Wales, was released to Melbourne for work with the Italian business, The Perfect Cheese Co. 86 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne.

On the 29th March 1945, he arrived in Liverpool, England onboard the Athlone Castle as a ‘released internee’.

Antonio died in Cardiff, Wales on the 9th June 1983.

The Welsh Italians

Tatura, Australia. January 1943. Group of Italian internees from overseas now interned at Tatura Internment Camp. Back row, left to right: F. Rabaiotti; M. Gazzi; Gio. Lusardi; A. Cavanna; Giu. Moruzzi; E. Cordani. Front row: L. Fulgoni; G. Rossi; Giu. Lusardi; F. Cavina. (AWM Image 030188/01 Photographer Colin Halmarick)