War split his family

Giuseppe Moruzzi was born in Bardi (Parma) Italy on the 5th July 1899.  At the time of his arrest on the 10th June 1940, Giuseppe was living with his wife Delfina at 5 Bethcar Street, Ebbw Vale, Wales.  He listed his occupation as caterer and other sources noted that The Central Café also known as Moruzzi Café was situated on Bethcar Street.

War split Giuseppe’s family. While his wife, his son and one daughter were in Wales another two daughters were caught in German occupied Italy. And Giuseppe was in Australia.

Giuseppe had first arrived in Wales in 1914 and worked in catering. Over the next 20 years his residence alternated between Italy and Wales. During his time in Wales, he worked as a caterer or operated a business under his ownership.  In 1933, he purchased his last business, which his wife continued to operate during his internment.

Giuseppe worked as an assistant in the kitchen in camp and associated with Antonio Cavanna and Fortunato Cavina both from Wales. All three men are in the photo below; taken of the Welsh Italians. Giuseppe was considered to be a quiet intellectual type who had a good camp record.

From the 1st February to the 26th February 1943, he had an admission to the 28 Australian Camp Hospital, Waranga, Victoria. Later in 1943, Giuseppe applied for permission to return to the UK to appear before the Advisory Committee, but his release was refused on the 22nd July 1943.

On the 7th September 1944, Giuseppe was released to industry for employment at the Latin Café, Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

He returned to the UK as a ‘released internee’ onboard the SS Athlone Castle disembarking at Liverpool, England on the 29th March 1945.

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.