Headstone Unveiled for Italian Internee Buried in Unmarked Grave for 83 Years

A headstone has been unveiled for an Italian man who was interned during World War II and buried in an unmarked grave for 83 years. The ceremony took place at a cemetery in England where the man, identified as Ernesto Barbieri, had been laid to rest in 1940 at the age of 42.

Barbieri was one of thousands of Italians living in Britain who were rounded up and interned after Italy entered the war as an ally of Nazi Germany in June 1940. Many were sent to camps on the Isle of Man. Tragically, Barbieri fell ill at the Warth Mills internment camp and died at a nearby hospital just a few months later.

For over eight decades, his final resting place remained unmarked in an isolated corner of the cemetery. But after extensive research by historian Bruna Chezzi, who specializes in uncovering the stories of Italian civilian internees, Barbieri's grave was finally located. Chezzi worked with local authorities and the Italian consulate to arrange for a proper headstone.

"It was very moving to see Ernesto Barbieri's headstone after all these years," said Chezzi at the unveiling ceremony attended by local officials and representatives of the Italian community. "This is not just about remembering one man but acknowledging a painful chapter in wartime history that affected so many Italian families."

Why this matters: The ceremony sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history and the hardships endured by Italian civilian internees in Britain. It also represents a belated act of dignity and respect for those who died in internment, far from their homeland and loved ones.

Barbieri's story mirrors that of many other Italians who had settled in Britain in the early 20th century. When Italy declared war, they suddenly found themselves classified as "enemy aliens" and faced internment under Defence Regulation 18B . Thousands were uprooted from their lives and held indefinitely in camps.

While some were eventually released or enlisted in the British army's Pioneer Corps, others languished in the camps for years. Records show that 19 Italians died in internment in Britain during the war years. Ernesto Barbieri's grave marker is a touching tribute to their heartbreaking destiny and the losses endured by a town trapped in the middle of an international struggle.

Key Takeaways

• Headstone unveiled for Italian WWII internee Ernesto Barbieri, buried in unmarked grave for 83 years.
• Barbieri was one of thousands of Italians in Britain interned as "enemy aliens" after Italy joined Axis powers.
• Barbieri died in internment camp, but his grave remained unmarked until historian Bruna Chezzi's research.
• Ceremony represents belated dignity and respect for Italian civilian internees who died far from home.
• Records show 19 Italians died in British internment camps during WWII, Barbieri's grave a tribute to their losses.