ITALIAN VOLUNTEERS

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1944, Page 6

ITALIAN VOLUNTEERS

LABOUR BATTALION IN BRITAIN.

RUGBY, May 9

Italian volunteers for effort in Britain are to be organised into labour battalions, staffed so far as available by Italian officers and N.C.O.’s but under the command of British officers, states a War Office official. These battalions will be employed 1 on work of national importance as may be required. In many cases this will be work they are at present doing, such as agriculture, forestry, etc. Their employment in a combatant capacity is not at present envisaged. They will no longer,,be escorted by British military personnel when going to and from work, or while working. British guards and sentries will be withdrawn from the camps. Italians will be largely responsible for their own administration and maintenance of good order. They will not be allowed 1 to enter shops, public houses, cinemas and restaurants, or use public transport except for the purpose of eoing to and from work. Some restriction on their relations with the civilian population will still be maintaned. Thev will be allowed t.o exercise outside the camps within prescribed limits, based on the foregoing considerations as well as upon those of national security. In audition, special arrangements are being made to provide cinema shows concerts, entertainments in camps, and enable the men of one battalion to communicate with those of another. They will carry special identity cards and will wear distinctive uniform and cap.