non-fictionThis is a true story of Italians interned in England during the war years of 1940-1945. Following the disaster of the sinking of the "Arandora Star" on July 2nd 1940, the survivors were transported to Australia on the "Dunera" and kept in internment camps until the end of the war. Vittorio Tolaini"dunera", world war 1939-1945, internees, italian internees, "arandora star"

This painting is for the Museum. It was a gift to me by an ex prisoner, whom I met when he came to Melbourne with Vic, Nicky and others. His name is Luigi Poggioli and he was a most distinguished gentleman, so distinct and well educated that I still remember him clearly (and I do not have a good memory). Perhaps I remember so well because of his kind words in verse on the painting which read :(Translation) "Ungrateful land with handsome race of Italian blood who with their hard work enriched you". Yes I believe I remember so well because of this verse. Extract from a letter from Mrs Tolaini now living in London. She is the Wife of Vittorio Tolaini who was on the Dunera and wrote of his experiences in "Voyage of an Alien" June 1991. Framed watercolour painting - 11 trees in foreground, one small hut facing towards bottom right hand corner, 4 large huts Centre of painting, black writing in Italian left and right foreground. Painting by L Poggioli. Frame is a wooden medium brown colour with a gold thin line.Front bottom left side: "To Noemi Vendramini for her 21st birthday, January 19,1945. L Poggioli, LP44 No. 2 Internment Camp, Tatura Front bottom right side: 4 lines of Italian writing translated "Ungrateful land with handsome race of Italian blood who with their hard work enriched you"camp 2, mrs tolaini, noemi vendramini, luigi poggioli, dunera boy, tolaini