War divided his family

Carlo Notarianni was born in Valvori Valle Rotonda (Frosinone) Italy on the 5th December 1892. At the time of his arrest on the 11th June 1940, he lived with his wife Giuseppa at 142 High Street, Battersea, London, England. War divided his family. His son Arcangelo was interned on the Isle of Man, his daughter Maria was in Battersea with her mother and his youngest son, Aldo was caught in Italy, in close proximity to Montecassino.

Before WW1, Carlo and his father had journeyed to Govan, Scotland where they sold ice cream.  Carlo returned to Italy but in 1921 returned to Govan, Scotland with his wife where he gained employment in an ice cream business.  Saving his money, he bought and operated an ice cream barrow then opened his own business.  In 1936, due to ill health, he was advised to move south and opened his ice cream business at 142 High Street, Battersea, London.

 He was considered by Tatura Camp authorities to be a ‘true Italian’ who was quiet and straightforward and had never caused any trouble. 

Not in good health, he had applied to the Mixed Medical Commission for repatriation to Italy. As a youth, Carlo had had his right hand severed at his wrist and additionally he only had one kidney.  His application was approved but in October 1943, he withdrew his application for repatriation to Italy, as his wish was to return to London to his family and business.

Luigi Beschizza remembered Carlo as being the only Dunera Italian to keep their money safe on the voyage to Australia. Carlo kept his money hidden inside his false hand.

Carlo applied to the Civil Aliens Corps for work in forestry, possibly as a show in good faith to authorities that he was willing to work in Australia and/or a desire to stay with the main group of UK Italian internees who had enrolled. 

His application was rejected on medical grounds, but on the 26th September 1944, he was released to Melbourne.  Mr Vaccari, the Italian Liaison Officer in Melbourne, was to assist Carlo with residential accommodation and registration with the Department of Labour.  

On the 6th February 1945, Carlo embarked the SS Athlone Castle in Sydney for his return to the UK.  He disembarked the ship at Liverpool, England as a ‘released internee’.

He would go on to open a second ice cream palour in Battersea as well establishing a modern ice cream factory.