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209169 LAC James Downey Royal Air Force 87 Squadron I’m looking for Jimmy Downey LAC 87 Squadron who was stationed with the RAF in Palermo,Sicily during WW2 at a time when my father Giovanni (John) Palmeri who had been repatriated there, was working for the Allies in 1943/44. My father had spent 16 years in the UK before the war as a fruit importer so he could speak English, and after Operation Husky in 1943 he worked for the Occupational Forces as an interpreter and was sent on courses to study mechanics and weaponry in order to equip him for his many roles. In his letters to my (English) mother and myself who had stayed in the UK for the duration, he often spoke of Jimmy with fondness:
“I have some dear friends, particularly Jimmy Downey. He comes very often and likes fresh eggs with chips…” My father’s family of origin lived in a flat in Palermo from where he wrote: “Only the other day, I had three English boys home here. As you know, my home is like an English Recreation Home for them, and so many have been visiting us here. Very often I mention them some English food: Roast Turkey, Xmas pudding, Fillet steak and Chips, fish and chips, etc. Lager beer, Guinness etc. We all get so excited. They all say: Shut up, John...”
In another letter he said: “…Sorry to tell you that my pal Jimmy Downey is sick. He is such a good fellow. I went to see him in hospital…”
My father, who was a Catholic, must have asked Jimmy to write to my mother when he visited Rome. This he did, on 10 August 1944:
“I am on leave this week and having a grand time. I’ve visited Rome and seen all the famous sights, including the Vatican. The Pope granted our party an audience, and spoke to each of us for several minutes, asking us where we lived in England and about our families and gave each of us his blessing. I need hardly tell you how thrilled I was. I had a very interesting hour or so in St Peter’s Church, looking at the paintings etc, it really is a wonderful place…. I had a letter from John last week. He is fine and well and sends all his love to Joan and yourself. He seems to be cheerful enough, but I know how he longs to be home again…”
I am researching and writing the family history and would love to find out what happened to my father’s friend and if possible contact his family. I gather 87 Squadron was disbanded after the war. As I am housebound, I have to do research through the Internet, but have had no success in finding Jimmy Downey yet.
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