Son killed in bombing of London
- Joanne Tapiolas
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Primo Pinagli was born in Roggio Vagli Sotto (Lucca) Italy on the 14th February 1903. A London café proprietor, he was arrested on the 11th June 1940. He lived with his wife Elsie [Ersilia] (née Farina), two daughters and infant son Pietro at 437 The Highway, Stepney, London.
Internment would rob Primo of two important family events. His son Pietro celebrated his first birth 13 days after Primo was arrested. Tragically, Primo was not in London to protect his family during the bombings of April 1941. From 16th to the 19th April 1941, major bombing raids caused devastation and the death of Primo’s son Pietro; an innocent casualty of war.
Of further concern for Primo was his 83 year old father who was living in German occupied Italy. As his father’s only child, the burden of responsibility would also have weighed heavily on Primo. His record noted: 'His father 83 if alive is living in German occupied Italy'.
In Tatura, Primo kept and tended his own garden and also worked in the Quarter Master’s Store. His wife Elsie owned a restaurant/café at 2 Exeter Street, The Strand which she continued to operate during his absence.
Mrs R Gesulda from Fitzroy, Melbourne, a cousin of Primo’s arranged in March 1943 to visit him. While a visit of civilians was allowed, the duration was half an hour and required arrangements such as a Police Permit to allow his cousin to travel.
While Primo was given an opportunity to return to the UK to appear before the Italian Advisory Committee, he did not return to England until the 29th March 1945. He was ‘released on parole’ on the 27th June 1944 for work with the Civil Aliens Corps in forestry.
He arrived in Liverpool, England onboard the SS Athlone Castle. The ship’s register noted his address as 2 Exeter Street, The Strand, London. Primo died in 1971.
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