01/07/2008
Memorial for drowned internees
A memorial plaque in memory of the victims of a sunken liner is to be unveiled in Liverpool tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd July).
More than 800 people were killed when a German submarine torpedoed the Arandora Star off the Irish coast while she was carrying Italian, German, Austrian internees and a few prisoners of war from Liverpool to Newfoundland in July 1940. Also killed were 14 Liverpool sailors including the ship's captain Egdar Wallace Moulton and members of the Devonshire regiment.
In Britain there is still no official memorial to the dead. But in this Capital of Culture year - which is the year of inter-cultural dialogue - Liverpool in partnership with the Italian Honorary Consul for the city is set to unveil an official memorial to those killed.
The memorial service will take place at Our Lady and St Nicholas' Church in Chapel Street. The plaque will be located at Pier Head when all regeneration work is complete.
Relatives of those killed have also been invited to take part in a civic service and wreath-laying ceremony which will take place on a Ferry on the River Mersey. Merseytravel have laid on a special service for this ceremony and people are expected to travel from across Europe to attend.
Liverpool City Council's deputy leader Councillor Flo Clucas said: "It is very appropriate that in Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture we remember the peace that Europe has enjoyed through the founding of the European Union. We should acknowledge the past; commemorate those who have had no commemoration, while seeking reconciliation and promoting greater understanding."
"Some of the people killed actually held British nationality. Others were internees many of whom had been born and settled in Britain but had Italian, German or Austrian surnames or ancestry and were being sent to be interned in Canada after war broke out."
Honorary Consul Nunzia Bertalli said: "Because the incident involved people of different nationalities, some of whom were at war, there has never been an official memorial. Now, as members of the European Union we all worked together to commemorate all the victims in the most appropriate way. It could help the families with their grief and is a good example of the difference us being European has made to the peace in the world."
The memorial plaque is to be displayed at the Pier Head and will also provide a focal point for families to remember their lost loved ones. The city hopes to welcome the last survivor of the sinking, Rando Bertoia, to the event.
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Steve Rotheram, said: "This shows the positive contribution the European Union can play in improving people's lives. We are the first generation of European's that have lived without having experiencing a major war.
"The torpedoing of the Arandora Star was a tragedy between people who very nearly shared the same nationality - I hope this memorial will make sure that we learn from the mistakes of the past."
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