The Wartime Memories Project - The Second World War

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Those who Served A      B       C       D       E       F       G       H       I       J       K       L       M       N       O       P       Q       R       S       T       U       V       W       X       Y       Z       Giovanbattista Antonio "Nino" Galea .     Italian Merchant Marine Belvedere   from Genoa, Italy) Nino left Genoa in October 1939, a young man with a new wife and infant daughter.He was fortunate to find work as a merchant marine ont he ship Belvedere. The ship departed the port of Genoa for Marseille then for a transatlantic journey. In 1940 the ship docked in Philadelphia. Nino and his shipmates explored the region, making contacts with fellow Italians and experiencing the American life..until the war broke out and Italy was declared an enemy nation. In 1941 pres. Rooselvelt ordered the seizure of all italians in the U.S. or who entered on a vessel. 1,300 men were shipped to Ft. Missoula, Montana on a labor camp, joined by hundreds of others from the world's fair in NY. The Italians arrived and were awed by the natural beauty of Montana..and exclaimed Che bella vista! What a beautiful view! The camp was christened "Bella Vista" fromt hat moment forward. For over two years the men worked and created community, learning new skills, and learning to adapt to the land they would come to love. Nino worked int he kitchen, did carpentry, and gardening and played the accordion and guitar at the many nites of entertainment by the prisoners. When the war ended and the camp was shut down, the men were ordered out. NIno faced deportation. He fought to obtain citizenship and after 11 years..achieved that status. Then he was able to call for his family to join him..after 15 years of separation. What a reunion at Ellis island. A story of survival, discovery and above else, enduring love.

Can you help us to add to our records? Add a record to our website. The names and stories on this website have been submitted by their relatives and friends. If your relations are not listed please add their names so that others can read about them Did you or your relatives live through the Second World War? Do you have any photos, newspaper clippings, postcards or letters from that period? Have you researched the names on your local or war memorial? Were you or your relative evacuated? Did an air raid affect your area? If so please let us know. Help us to build a database of information on those who served both at home and abroad so that future generations may learn of their sacrifice. Contact us. Celebrate your own Family History Celebrate by honouring members of your family who served in the Secomd World War both in the forces and at home. We love to hear about the soldiers, but also remember the many who served in support roles, nurses, doctors, land army, muntions workers etc. Please use our Family History resources to find out more about your relatives. Then please send in a short article, with a photo if possible, so that they can be remembered on these pages.

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