This is my last will and testament

Orlando Ugolini was ‘released to UK for release’ but never made it home. He had his freedom, but he had concerns about the dangers for shipping.

Orlando wrote his last will and testament before his departure from Loveday Camp 10, South Australia, and left the document with the camp leader. A shop keeper from Uphall, Scotland, he was born on the 20th November 1894 in Vinchiana (Lucca), Italy.

Ugolino’s wife and beneficiary of his will was Duse and he had appointed Natale Benassi as executor and trustee.

Orlando was transferred from Loveday Camp, South Australia, on the 19th January 1942 to Tatura Camp, Victoria, via Broadmeadows Camp on the 24th January 1942. Then on the 12th August 1942, he left Tatura Camp for Liverpool Camp, New South Wales to await embarkation.

In total, there were 43 internees returning to the UK at this time, seven were Italian internees and 36 were German internees. The internees boarded the Westernland in Sydney and transshipped to the MV Abosso at Cape Town, South Africa on 10th October 1942. 

The MV Abosso was a British Motor Passenger Ship travelling from Cape Town to Liverpool, England when she was sunk by a direct hit torpedo at 22.13 on 29th October 1942.  At 23.05 the MV Abosso sank. Orlando was ‘lost at sea’ and his death officially presumed on the30th June 1943.

Orlando was 47 years old when he died.

Last Will and Testament Orlando Ugolini (NAA: A1539, 1943/W/100)

Orlando is honoured by his family with a plaque at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery California: the words LOST AT SEA etched in the bottom left corner.

Plaque at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Orange County California 1942 Lost at Sea  

(Find A Grave via Ancestry.com)