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  #1  
Old 29-06-17, 10:50 AM
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Default ITALY printed title ...

Hi,

I have this ww2 Italy printed title ... I have seen two different identifications :
- For the Italian Co-belligerent Army, wearing british equipment after 1943.
- For Italian prisoners in UK ...

What is the good one ??



Best regards .. Herve
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  #2  
Old 29-06-17, 12:01 PM
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Default PoW

It was issued to Italians in the UK. When Italy surrendered their captives could no longer be classified as PoW so they all should have been returned to Italy. However, this would have left the UK short of labour so Italians were given the option of 'co-operator status' whereby they were allowed semi-freedom, and were issued these badges to identify them as 'friendly'.

I'll blatantly plug a book I wrote a few years ago which covered this subject, and the only occasion when Home Guard exchanged rifle fire with enemy infantryman.

Stephen.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prisoners-W.../dp/1445603128
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  #3  
Old 29-06-17, 01:50 PM
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Hi Stephen,

Thanks for this fast reply ...

Best regards .. Herve
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  #4  
Old 21-07-17, 11:43 AM
loupie1961 loupie1961 is offline
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Stephen I have bought your book on Amazon, extremely interesting and well researched! Here I enclose a pic of my printed "Italy" title and and interesting photo, taken form an Italian militaria website, of an italo-british serviceman wearing a tubular slip on with the title Italy: not a PoW, but not a "cobelligerent" either....
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File Type: jpg Italy_title_1.jpg (51.0 KB, 25 views)
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  #5  
Old 21-07-17, 01:40 PM
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Default ITALY printed title

A nice photo. The printed titles were sometimes cut down and used on slip-on type badges. Many people also forget that after Italy surrendered they turned some of their armed forces against the Germans: some even joined an F Sqn, SAS I'm told. Perhaps the young man in your picture was acting as a liaison officer with an Allied HQ?

Stephen.

PS- glad you liked the book. Sadly, sales didn't cover my research costs!

EDIT- I've just noticed that your photo was taken in Jerusalem, so that may negate my theory.

Last edited by badjez; 21-07-17 at 01:42 PM. Reason: Added info
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  #6  
Old 21-07-17, 03:14 PM
loupie1961 loupie1961 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badjez View Post
A nice photo. The printed titles were sometimes cut down and used on slip-on type badges. Many people also forget that after Italy surrendered they turned some of their armed forces against the Germans: some even joined an F Sqn, SAS I'm told. Perhaps the young man in your picture was acting as a liaison officer with an Allied HQ?

Stephen.

PS- glad you liked the book. Sadly, sales didn't cover my research costs!

EDIT- I've just noticed that your photo was taken in Jerusalem, so that may negate my theory.
I can't say whether it could be a cut down arm title, or a slip on tubular. Please check this other pic. this guy had been serving in the Royal Italian Army until 1943, and then turned out to wear a British uniform in Shella, Palestine, in august 1944.
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  #7  
Old 21-07-17, 03:39 PM
Mike B Mike B is offline
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Hello Stephen
Years taken to research a book are often not covered by sales income ... but the legacy of a book such as yours is often beyond price, ... in terms of being a specialist tribute and perpetuating memory.
Mike
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  #8  
Old 21-07-17, 05:02 PM
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Hi Mike,

You're right ...

Best regards .. Herve
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  #9  
Old 22-07-17, 02:05 AM
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Default ITALY printed title

Gents,

Don't get me wrong- I wasn't in this for mercenary reasons- there was a story to be told that wasn't recorded elsewhere, and I enjoyed the research etc. only sometimes petrol can be expensive...and publishers pay you a very small percentage of the end cost.

I'm glad that the story has been recorded, as it was about the people involved and not about recognition for me. It started as a research project for a local history diploma course I took at Madingley College, Cambridge, and my tutor suggested I expand it and then try to get it published. It then took on a life of its own that still struggles for air on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prisoners-W.../dp/1445603128

Stephen.
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Old 27-11-17, 04:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badjez View Post
Gents,

Don't get me wrong- I wasn't in this for mercenary reasons- there was a story to be told that wasn't recorded elsewhere, and I enjoyed the research etc. only sometimes petrol can be expensive...and publishers pay you a very small percentage of the end cost.

I'm glad that the story has been recorded, as it was about the people involved and not about recognition for me. It started as a research project for a local history diploma course I took at Madingley College, Cambridge, and my tutor suggested I expand it and then try to get it published. It then took on a life of its own that still struggles for air on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prisoners-W.../dp/1445603128

Stephen.
Superb thread and delightful book just ordered my copy
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kind regards, Michael
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