Prisoner of War mail, by Ruggero Bacci, to Mrs. Minnie Bacci, April 7, 1941 - en anglais seulement

This handwritten prisoner of war mail in Italian, was sent by Ruggero Bacci, and is addressed to his wife Minnie Bacci, on April 7, 1941.

Much of the earlier references in the letter are vague, pertaining to banking issues and questions his wife had asked him in a previous letter. The banking issue, which references a cheque and funds, seems to pertain to an unnamed association with members. He notes that he had accepted the position to please his "padrone" and at the bequest of its members.

It is most likley that Bacci is referencing his role as secretary of Fascio Principe Umberto, and his work with the Casa d'Italia. The "patron" noted may be Massimo Iacopo Magi, also active at the fascio and his employer at the Florentine Lighting Company.

He also tells his wife that she is well aware that he was against the entry of "his country" in this terrible war on the side of their historic enemies -- Italy joining with Germany and the Axis Powers. He claims the authorities are also well aware of his position. He claims his work was intended to involve Italians in civil life -- to help them become great Canadian citizens, who remained proud of their country of origin.

Bacci was interned for almost three years. In his absence, his wife Erminia (Minnie) suffered a serious nervous breakdown and was hospitalized at length. Bacci's oldest son Aldo was forced to quit high school to help support the family. When his father was released and returned home, Aldo received notice that he was conscripted into the Canadian Army; however, he did not serve overseas.

This document forms part of a collection of documents and other materials on loan by the Bacci family.