Italian prisoners of war were stationed on properties throughout the Warrumbungle Shire, to support labour efforts during World War II. Often, strong relationships were formed. Lawrence and Sherree Conn spoke to the Coonabarabran Times about their connection to a slice of local history.

Over 18,000 Italian Prisoners of War (POWs) arrived in Australia between 1941 to 1945 after being captured in North Africa by the British Empire during WWII.

Early in 1943 there were clear signs Australia was experiencing a deteriorating supply of manpower, due to the way the Government handled the Australian war effort.

The nation was led into more commitments than it could discharge and British authorities in India requested Australia take on 20,000 POWs to overcome the problem.

Small groups of Italian POWs were to be employed on individual farms – and Coonabarabran was host to 151 individuals.

Farmers would pay the prisoners two pounds, ten shillings a week, and provide accommodation and food.

The POW’s pay was collected by the Local Command and the program was managed by Prisoner of War Control Centres (PWCC).

Initially, the local PWCC was housed in the building now known as the Coonabarabran Veterinary Clinic, and the organisation was responsible for POWs in Baradine, Purlewaugh and Timor Valley.

PWCC would supervise the prisoners, supply them with their needs and engage with employers of POWs.

Once a week, an army truck would visit POWs working in the area and bring mail, sweets, tobacco, clothing and blankets – anything else was debited against their wages.

Often, the Italians who worked on the farm became trusted employees and in some cases, a friend for life.

Coonabarabran local, Lawrence Conn and his wife, Sherree, recalled stories of Italian POWs from Dubbo to Coonabarabran.

Mr Conn said a few POWs were assigned to his grandfather’s dairy farm on Homeleigh Drive – and one of them became a part of his family.

The Italian POW was believed to be named Salvatore Vittore and he was known throughout Coonabarabran due to his kind nature and good work ethic.

“It was definitely something positive that came out of the war. The workers were trustworthy people, they didn’t want to fight and they became part of the family,” Mr Conn said.

“They were humans too and they were upset, being away from their families.

“My grandfather trusted them with a 22 rifle to catch rabbits on the road; they never caused anyone mischief.

“I hadn’t seen Salvatore since I was 10-years-old, but I remember he was a nice man.”

Italian POWs were released from their employment a year after the war ended.

Mr Conn said Salvatore repatriated to Italy, but eventually came back to live in Australia.

Salvatore was a guest at the wedding of Mr Conn’s parents and brought over a velvet quilt from Italy as a wedding present.

Mr Conn recalls how Salvatore would saddle the ponies for when his cousin returned from school, and together they would round up the cattle for milking.

Mr and Mrs Conn also recall Italian POWs employed on Jack and Ted Morrissey’s property.

At the time, the Morrisseys were one of two specialist seed growers in Australia and due a dwindling supply from the outbreak of war, more labourers were needed to keep up with demand.

Italian POWs were sent to aid in labour and over time they earned their trust from the Morrisseys and also developed a strong connection.

Coonabarabran local, David Rayner collected artefacts from the Italian POWs in Coonabarabran, which included a concrete bird bath, a baby bath made from tin, and a wooden tray.

Due to close relationships often forged with the POWs, the farmers would allow them to be creative in their spare time.

Once the POWs returned to Italy, many individuals who were stationed on farms decided to migrate back to Australia, alongside their families.

Many established themselves in rural communities and some kept in touch with the farmers who were host to them throughout the war years.

Coonabarabran has a long history, and Italian POWs were a significant aid in the continuation of lab our and food production for Australia.

PHOTO: Italian POWs at ‘La Perouse’ in 1943. Pictured (l-r): Sgt Salvatore Vedda, Pte Massimi Natalino, Pte Pugleisi Dominico, Tom Walsh (ex-serviceman), Ted Morrissey (vegetable seed grower) and Sgt Nicosia Emmanuel. Image: Bob Morrissey. TOP: Lawrence and Sherree Conn.