British Partisan: Capture, Imprisonment and Escape in Wartime Italy

A British Partisan's original edition, "From Liguria With Love," is a compelling account of the author's time spent living with Italian people who risked their lives for him. The book includes his baptism by fire in the Western Desert, his capture and life as a POW in Italy, and his second escape from Fontanellato POW camp. It also highlights the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of local Italians who helped and hid Allied soldiers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

A gripping account of the many months spent behind enemy lines living with Italian people who daily risked their lives for him – one of whom eventually became his wife. A more exciting story than mine!

- Eric Newby CBE MC – Author of Love and War in the Apennines

I have always been a sucker for escape stories, so no need to tell you that I greatly enjoyed it.

- Sir Ludovic Kennedy

This real gem, excellently written, fresh, vivid, attention holding, has added something substantial to the history of the period.

- British Army Review

This uplifting story has often sustained me in challenging situations in tough places.

- General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen Chief of the Defence Staff

In this action-packed account, the author, a Welch Regiment officer, describes his remarkable Second World War experiences. These include his baptism by fire in the Western Desert against Rommels armour in 1942, the spontaneous help of nomad Arabs when on the run for ten days behind enemy lines, his capture and life as a POW in Italy.

Ross and a fellow officer made the first escape from Fontanellato POW camp only to be recaptured on the Swiss border. During his second escape, Ross fought against the occupying German forces in north Italy alongside the Italian partisans, who nearly executed him initially. He avoided recapture for over a year before finally reaching Allied lines.

The reader learns of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of local Italians helping and hiding Allied soldiers. Rosss story has a poignant conclusion as, while on the run, he fell in love with a prominent anti-fascists daughter whom he married after the war.

Originally published as From Liguria With Love, this superbly written book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Second World War. It provides a unique perspective on the war, highlighting the bravery and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

The author, Ross, was a Welch Regiment officer who served in the Second World War. He was captured by the Germans and spent several months as a POW in Italy. During his time in captivity, he was able to form close relationships with the Italian people, who risked their lives to help him and other Allied soldiers escape.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Rosss story is his escape from the Fontanellato POW camp. He and a fellow officer managed to escape, but were recaptured on the Swiss border. However, they were able to escape again, this time with the help of local Italians who provided them with food and shelter.

During their escape, Ross and his fellow officer fought against the German forces in north Italy alongside the Italian partisans. They were initially treated with suspicion by the partisans, who thought they were spies. However, they were eventually accepted and became valuable members of the partisan group.

Rosss story also highlights the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the local Italians who helped and hid Allied soldiers. Many of these people were risking their own lives to help their fellow countrymen, and their actions were a significant factor in the Allied victory in the war.

Rosss story has a poignant conclusion as he falls in love with a prominent anti-fascists daughter whom he marries after the war. It is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Overall, From Liguria With Love is a remarkable book that provides a unique perspective on the Second World War. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, and it will inspire and educate readers for generations to come.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526750358