The book explores the dynamics between partisan movements and the Nazi-fascist massacres in Arezzo, Italy, during 1944, where over a thousand civilians lost their lives. It details the evolution of the partisans' activities, starting from disarming local police and sabotaging communications to engaging in direct confrontations with German forces and their fascist allies. The narrative highlights the strategic escalation of the resistance efforts amidst the backdrop of brutal repression.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story unfolds in Umbria, Italy, where numerous Allied servicemen traverse the region. The narrative includes diverse experiences, from those destined for camps in Northern Italy and Germany to work parties aiding local industries. It highlights the bravery of SAS operatives on special missions and American airmen downed in combat. Additionally, it follows the harrowing journeys of escapers navigating the Apennines and the fate of submariners from HM Submarine Saracen, illustrating the complexities of wartime survival and resistance.
The life of John Dethick, a renowned bass baritone known for his interpretation of Mendelssohn's Elijah, unfolds through a transcription of his 1995 recording. Born in Henley on Thames to Derbyshire parents, he spent most of his life in Derbyshire, with notable performances at Sadler's Wells and Scarborough. The book includes documentary evidence of his career through concert reviews and highlights his influence on his successful pupils, Patricia Leonard and John Tranter, along with insights from his daughter, Janet Kinrade Dethick.
The narrative unfolds through the voices of survivors from a tragic incident of friendly fire during World War II. They share their harrowing experiences and the emotional aftermath of the event, providing a poignant exploration of camaraderie, loss, and the complexities of war. The book delves into the personal and collective struggles faced by these individuals as they grapple with guilt and memory, offering a unique perspective on a lesser-known chapter of history.
"Even after capture, the full horrors of war still persisted. Bombed and strafed by our own planes, and shelled by our own artillery, the words 'For you the war is over, Tommy, ' had a hollow ring...November 1942, after five months in Suani Ben Adem, we sailed from Tripoli, en route to Naples. We were held in the hold of a coal boat, battened down, with only a few buckets for sanitation purposes. Packed in like sardines, we would have had no chance of survival, had the ship come under attack from the Royal Navy, not an uncommon occurrence." These are the words of Private Bill Blewitt, 1st Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters, captured near Gazala in the Western Desert. He survived his capture, but over a thousand did not. Laid to rest alongside the battle casualties in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries in Italy are these prisoners of war. They died from neglected wounds or diseases, were accidentally or deliberately shot both inside and outside their camps or were victims of friendly fire incidents. Some lost their lives when trying to cross the mountains to freedom, and some were betrayed by spies. Some had taken up arms again, had fought with the partisans and had died alongside them. Others had been captured whilst on dangerous missions and summarily executed. Many, but not all, have a name.
