Please bear in mind: The purpose of this historical contribution is for studying purposes only, therefore, do not multiply it, as still Crown Copyrights being valid, partially!
Crown Copyright
KV 2/76
Schurch Theodore John William
PF 307933
(AOB: On KV 2/76-2, page 10b is noticed: Schürch)
AOB: my first comment:
I would always like to engender interesting subjects - the most recent was the series dealing with The South African Union.
Why not this time about someone encountering, as a quite young man living in England, but possessing Swiss routs as well?
The KV 2/xxxx serials had once, I suppose somewhere in the 1950, been renumbered in a kind of successive significance;
and then carrying KV 2/76 there must have been some kind of keen drive to just give this quite low file serial number KV 2/76
whereas his running PF serial number being PF 307933
This serial is on own not a non-common personal serial number (reference).
Files are not always glamorous stories, and this will be one of them.
Page initiated: 3 September 2024
Current status: 2 October 2024
Chapter 1
Chapter 2 (since 13 September 2024)
Chapter 3 (since 18 September 2024)
Chapter 4 (since 21 September 2024)
Chapter 5 (since 23 September 2024)
Chapter 6 (since 25 September 2024)
Chapter 7 (since 27 September 2024)
Chapter 8 (since 1 October 2024)
Chapter 9 (since 2 October 2024)
KV 2/76-1, page 2
Crown Copyright
It is quite evident, that the British National Archives did not take sound care of all their historical files; as the genuine jacket is showing clear signs of mall handling and storage.
Like has the genuine file been destroyed and we are viewing at the poor microfilm reproduction.
Maybe, it was never foreseen that these once "top secret" historical files ever should be made public; even earlier than was ever imagined.
Next a file type I admire - as these are reflecting the inner-circle state of minds and thoughts: the Minute Sheets
KV 2/76-1, page 3
Crown Copyright
Please notice first C.C.307933 instead of PF 307933 (whether this is a mistake or allowing to search matters sometimes on a different way, I cannot yet say
10.6.1936 To Special Branch (think of branch of Scotland Yard, sometimes designated S.L.B. 3) re enlistment of Schurch in regular Army. (AOB: there are indications that Mr. Schurch was a fan of the BUF = British Union of Fascist of Sir Oswald Mosley) en (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Union_of_Fascists) and de (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oswald_Mosley) 1u
26.6.1936 From special Branch in reply to 1u 1v
12.6.1943 From M.I.9 re Captain Richards (AOB: M.I.9 was a section which dealt especially with secret messages invisibly implemented in letters, and these concerned mostly standard "Red Cross" mailing cards) 1w
17.6.1943 Security List Request (secretly implemented) re Capt. Richards (acting as an watching informant to M.I.9) 1x
3.7.1943 Censorship Intercept of letter from Richards to J.E. Stuart. 1y
14.7.1943 Censorship Intercept of letter from Richards to LLoyd's Bank 1z
12.9.1943 Copy of note on interrogation of Sub. Lieut. I.D. Roberts, giving information re. T.J.W. Schurch 1a
13.9.1943 Copy of letter to Records Officer re Schurch 2a
27.9.1943 From records Officer in reply to 2a re Schurch 3a
27?.9.1943 Copy of note to M.I.9 re Schurch referring to note on interrogation at 1a (AOB: Schurch was still in Italian of German P.o.W. captivity) 4a
(AOB: we learn here that the file had been "weeded" and matters were destroyed by order of 28.3.1955)
4.10.1943 Note from B.4.a. (= M.I.5.) re T.J.W. Schurch 5a
(AOB: internal letter addressed onto M.I.5 section B.5)
B.5.
We have received information that a Driver in the R.A.S.C. named Theodore John William Schurch (AOB: be never certain, that this was the true spelling on someone's birth certificate, as British servants quite often converted names on the English way, at their own will or mood) has been improperly collaborating with the enemy whilst a Prisoner of War and are anxious to obtain a photograph of this man.
His Army papers show that his next-of-kin is his father Theodore Schurch who was originally Swiss and who lived at 30 West Court, North Wembley, Middlesex. Before enlistment he was employed as Costing Accountant with the Glazier Metal Co. and Philco Radio and Television C. at Wembley Middlesex. He gave as reference the following two gentlemen who were probably employed at one or either of those firms:
Mr. Hunter (Senr) of 21 Rowley Close, Ryan Park Avenue, Wembley.
Mr. Pretty, 4 Abbots Drive, North Wembley.
In June, 1936, Mr. Pretty said that he had known Theodore John William Schurch for 5½ years and Mr. Hunter said that he had known him for about four months.
I should be grateful if, without disclosing that we have any grounds for suspecting Schurch, you could obtain from one of the three above mentioned individuals a photograph of Theodore John William Schurch.
B.4.a. (M.I.5) 4.10.45 Sgd. Major J.R. Whyte. (AOB: J.R. Whyte never crossed mind before in all these many years)
We encounter now, in my perception, a very charming aspect: learning about backgrounds but from an unexpected (unpredictable) angle.
KV 2/76-1, page 4b (minute 7 +)
Crown Copyright
19.10.1943 Extract from interrogation of Lt. Johnson re Schurch
B.4.a. Major Whyte.
On 22.10.1943 I saw Mrs. Schurch, mother of Theodore John William Schurch, No. T/61711, Driver in the R.A.S.C.
She was very distressed at my call as she told me that she had not heard from her son, nor had she his address, since she received official notification of his capture (AOB: by Rommel/Italian troops in North Africa) on 1.11.42 (about El Alamein).
I was able, however, to obtain the attached photograph by telling her that a soldier by the name of Schurch was known to be a prisoner in September 1943, and that I requited the photograph to assist in his identification. She was only too glad to let me have it for a few days.
I warned her, however, that should she hear in the interim from her son or from the British Red Cross, she must make no reference to my call or the request for the photograph.
Mrs. Schurch has not seen her son since he was nineteen, but the photograph is one which he sent her from the Middle East just prior of his capture.
Would it be possible for you to return the photograph in the course of the next few days, as I promised to return it? Can we also relieve this woman's distress by giving her his address so that she may write to him?
B.5. (M.I.5.) 23.10.1943 Sgd. J.C. Smith
B.5. Mr. J.C. Smith.
I am returning herewith the photograph which Mrs. Schurch was good enough to lend.
I am afraid there is very little which can be told to this woman. We have recent information that Schurch after his capture was acting as a stool pigeon on behalf of the enemy (Italians or Germans) at P.G. 158 (prisoner camp). This was an Interrogation Centre at Tahuna in North Africa →
GoogleEarth
For you better understanding, I have copied for you a map section showing the geographical location of Tahuna in Libya
It concerned by then, most likely an Italian controlled P.o.W. camp.
→ No news has been received about this man or about others who were kept as part of the staff at P.G. 158, since Africa has been over-run, and it is feared that they are no longer a live. (AOB: don't worry, at least our Theodore Schurch survived)
The information at our disposal, up to date, does not make it clear whether camp at P.G.158 was under German or Italian control. If it was under German control it is still possible, though improbable, that Schurch may have been removed to Germany. There is, however, up to date, no news of the whereabouts of this man, if he is still alive.
In the above circumstances I would suggest that it would be best for the mother to be told that we have no news of this man's (her son's) whereabouts since? 1.11.1942, when he was taken prisoner, and that the photograph which she was good enough to lend, has been used in order to ascertain whether another individual is identical with her son, and that it has been found, , unfortunately, that he is definitely not identical.
KV 2/76-1, page 5c (minute 8 partially)
Crown Copyright
Should any further information about Driver Schurch be received, it will be passed to Mrs. Schurch without delay.
B.4.a. 25.20.1943 J.R. Whyte (AOB: though the signature isn't Mr. J.R. Whyte's)
28.10.1943 Letter to Colonel Jenkins? , D.S.O. (Defence Security Office) Cairo, with particulars of Schurch 9a
28.10.1943 To Mrs. Schurch returning photograph of her son. 10a
4.11.1943 From M.I.9. (b) re Captain Richards, dated 2.11.1943. 11a
5.11.1943 To M.I.9(b) (Captain H. Gay) in reply to 11a 12a
10.11.1943 Copy of Report on Interrogation of Captain D.C.M. Mather 13a
12.11.1943 Extract from report by C.P.O. Flack re : Schurch 14a
15.11.1943 Copy of letter from M.I.9. to U.S. Army re : Capt. Richards. 15a
6.12.1943 From M.I.9 (b) re Schurch. 16a
7.12.1943 From M.I.9 re Capt. Richards 16b
13.12.1943 To M.I.9 (b) in reply to (Minute) 16a 17a
13.12.1943 From M.I.9. enclosing interrogation report of F.O. Sherk giving information about Schurch 18a
15.12.1943 To P.M. 5?? asking for F.O. Shark to come to L.D.A.C. 19a
KV 2/76-1, page 6d
Crown Copyright
15.12.1943 Copy of interrogation report of A.B. McQuire giving information about Schurch. 20a
D.2.
I would be grateful if you would let me know the present posting of Leading Seaman Clifford Irvine, mentioned in para 3 of the report at 20a, who is believed to have returned to this country (England) after escaping from an Italian P.o.W. Camp.
We are also anxious to identify Lt. Davies, R.N.V.R. (= Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve), who is believed to be able to give evidence about Schurch. It is possible to identify this man, perhaps you would let me know if he has succeeded in escaping from an Italian P/W Camp.
We are also anxious to identify Lt. Davies, R.N.V.R., who is believed to be able to give evidence about Schurch. If it is possible to identify this man, perhaps you would let me know if he if he has succeeded in escaping Italy. If, on the other hand, he has been transferred to a German Prison Camp perhaps you would arrange for a note to be put on his papers to the effect that we should like to be informed when he returns to this country.
B.4.a. 21.12.1943 Sgd. for Major J.R. Whyte Jiana? Barnes?
B.4.a.
Leading Seaman Clifford Irvine. Official No. P/SSX 19199 is now borne in the books of "Victory" and is being absent from Barracks from time to time.
Lieutenant Davies referred to above is identical with Lieutenant G.H. Davies, R.N.V.R. who was reported as a casualty at the Sicily landing on 8.3.1943. He was first held prisoner by the Italians but in November he was moved to Germany and records show him as being at Marlagrund (Marlag 0). A note will be put on his papers as requested at X above.
D.2. 23.12.1943 Signature un-readable
Hand-written text is, for me, nearly all un-readable
(2) (since 13 September 2024)
KV 2/76-1, page 12 (minute 78+)
Crown Copyright
26.5.1944 From A.D.N.I. with copy of statement by CPO Flack, in reply to (minute) 75a. 78a
5.6.1944 From M.I.9. (Secret Service division particularly concerned with hidden information arriving and leaving the U.K. - information re a stool pigeon possibly id/w (identical with) Schurch 79a
18.6.1944 Firsthand report on Schurch's stool pigeoning. 80a
30.6.1944 Extract from CSDIC report by Cpl. Choucair. 81a
22.8.1944 Minutes between D(C & D), B4a and A.G.3. arranging for Bowman to be called up for an interview. 82a
25.10.1944 Notes on case of Schurch. 83a
B.4.a. (M.I.5.)
Please see my draft note at 83a. Have you any comments? I have selected what seems to me the strongest evidence in this file. The case could be lengthened if we included the whole story, but is I think quite long enough as it is.
F.1. (M.I.6?) 25.10.1944 Sgd. T.M. Shelford
1.11.1944 To D. (C & D) requesting interview with Dvr (Driver?) Bowman 85a
S.L.D.2. (AOB: I understand a branch associated to Scotland Yard and involved in prosecutions)
Have you any comment on this case? I am suggesting that Schurch should be included in the Surrender List, having regard to the fact that he was persistently acted as a stool pigeon, a particularly mean form of activity.
F.1. (Home Office???) 4.11.1944 Sgd T.M. Shelford
KV 2/76-1, page 13f (minute 87+)
Crown Copyright
D.(C.& D.)
Would you please arrange for No. T/64096 Dvr. (driver) Bowman, J.E., R.A.S.C. to attend Room 055 (AOB: a special facility at the War Ministry, outside M.I.5's premises at St. James Street. Room 055 was mainly used as a facility for interviews or visitors) for an interview with Colonel Seymer on Monday 13th November, at 14.30 hrs.
B.4.a. (M.I.5) 1.11.1944
11.11.1944 Telegram confirming inf. at 88a. 89a
KV 2/76-1, page 14g (minute 90 +)
Crown Copyright
13.11.1944 Statement by Bowman re Schurch's stool-pigeoning. 90a
Schruch, T.J.W. on 4th List of British subjects in enemy occupied territory sent to S.H.A.E.F. (= Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) 11/44 91a
Colonel Seymer
S.L.B.3. (AOB: to my understand - a wartime related Scotland Yard Branch concerned with prosecutions against some one)
Please see at 92a a letter from Pearson of O.S.S. which contains evidence of espionage against Schurch in addition to his renegade activities already known. I had told Pearson that we have a full dossier on this man as far as renegade activities are concerned and perhaps you would deal with him direct about this case, and give him such information as you think proper.
I am not quite clear (a) in whose custody the man is; (b) how it is that O.S.S. are dealing with this British subject (AOB: Schurch we will learn later possessed also a legal Swiss passport) and not the military authorities. Pearson did imply in speaking to me that O.S.S. were dealing with the case because of its special importance.
Perhaps we should wait for some fuller information before asking for Schurch to be sent to the U.K. Meanwhile there are the espionage connections in this country, which require identification, viz: Edward King, of Spinks Antique Shop, the Italians Bianchi and Renzi, and also the Arab Homsi in Jaffa. The Registry have no traces →
KV 2/76-1, page 15h
Crown Copyright
→ of the English names and cannot identify the Italians without further details. Would you consult with Bird, B.1.b. (= M.I.5), as to how these espionage traces here should best be followed up? (AOB: in the meantime after, say, Autumn 1943, Italy was on the West Allied side which might complicate matters. Albeit, that some troops did not went over and remained on Mussolini's side) It might be necessary employ B.6 (M.I.5) to get initial report on Edward King.
A.D.B. (AOB: mostly meant Mr. Hart or Mr. Dick G. White) 2.5.1945.
2.5.1945 From O.S.S. re Schurch's contacts in U.K. 92a
3.5.1945 To OSS in reply to 92a 93a
6.5.1945 To OSS further to 93a 94a
F.3. (Mr. Mitchell)
The material of this file relates entirely to the subject's renegade activities while a P.o.W., except for 92a which disclosed more serious pre-war activities, apparently revealed in preliminary interrogation by O.S.S. in Italy.
You will see that there is no trace in the Registry of his English Fascist contacts. Page employed by Lancegay Safety Glass Co. Segar, Edward, High Street, Wembley. King Edward director of Spinks. There is no shop of that name in Regent Street, but his probably refers to the King Street, St. James shop.
You may wish to make enquiries about these three individuals and the results will help me in handling Schurch's case.
S.L.B.3 (likely: a Scotland Yard Branch in relation to someone's prosecution) 7.5.1945 Sgd. for V.H. Seymer
Lt.-Colonel
11?.5.1945 Note on interrogation of Colonel Stirling about Schurch 95b
11?.5.1945 Telegram dated 7.5.1945 from A.F.H.Q. re Schurch's arrest and interrogation. 95c
15.5.1945 To S.B. (Special Branch) re Theodore J.W. Schurch. 96a
KV 2/76-1, page 16i
A.D.B. Mr. Hart (M.I.5)
I spoke to you on the telephone yesterday about this case. Please see at 96a our letter to Special Branch (S.B.) asking whether their records contain any information concerning the individuals referred to at 92a.
F.3.d. 16.5.1945 J. à Court Bergne.
19.5.1945 To A.F.H.Q. in reply to 95c and re treatment of Schurch. 98a
19.5.45 From O.S.S. attaching three copies of interrogation of Schurch 99a
22.5.1945 To O.S.S. (Office of Strategic Services) acknowledging 99a
101.
A.D.B. (Mr. Hart).
Here is the interrogation report on Church, whose file you have, and I should be glad if you would join it. To the file which I resume you will then wish to pass to a B Division (S.L.B?) Officer to study before Schurch's return, in accordance with our cable to A Force HQ. May I take it that you will inform your Middle East Officer of the Palestine aspect?
Sgd. J. à Court Bergne?
dictated by V.H. Seymer, Lt.Colonel.
S.L.B.3/22/5/1945
102.
Mr. Bird (B.1.b.) (= M.I.5)
The further report has now arrived from the Americans, and is at 99a (1). Meanwhile I have arranged with Colonel Cussen (= E.J.P. Cussen) and Colonel Seymer that they should ask ask for Schurch to be arrested on a disciplinary charge in Italy and sent to the U.K. under detention. On his arrival a further and details interrogation can be done under satisfactory conditions.
F.3. however agree that the espionage aspect of the matter is not a thing for them and perhaps you would look after this. As the attached reports show there in quite serious evidence against Edward King which should be followed up vigorously. If Scotland Yard (S.L.B.) produce →
KV 2/76-1, page 17j
Crown Copyright
102 cont.
no traces it might be as well to get a report from B.6. (M.I.5?)
This report from the Americans also gives further detail about Schurch's contacts in the Mid East concerning whom some enquiries should be made through S.I.M.E. (Secret Intelligence Middle East); Kellar (A.J. Kellar at B.1.b of M.I.5) should be consulted.
On the present evidence it looks as if Schurch himself might easily be successfully prosecuted on a capital (about Schurch's head/death) charge, It must be one of the worst cases of espionage and renegade activities by a British subject. (AOB: he possessed also a legal Swiss passport). Perhaps you would have a word after reading through the papers.
A.D.B. Sgd. for H.L.A. Hart
22.5.1945 From Special Branch (S.L.B.) in reply to 96a 102a
103.
24.5.1945 Note by S.L.B. 3 (AOB: dealing with prosecution matters) re Organisation of Italian Secret Service. 103a
104.
24.5.1945 Note re request from S.I.S. (AOB: Secret Intelligence Service = M.I.6.; operating in foreign countries) for information on Schurch and King. 104a
24.5.1945 Telegram from A.F.H.Q. to 98a 104b
25.5.1945 Telegram from A.F.H.Q. further to 104b 104c
25.5.1945 Telegram to G-2 A.E.F. in reply to 104b
105.
25.5.1945 From S.I.S. further to telephone request at 104a. 105a
106.
25.5.1945. To Registry with instructions for look-up on report 99a(1) 106a
KV 2/76-1, page 18k
Crown Copyright
107
Note.
I discussed this case with Mr. Hunter, B.6., yesterday, and he took note of Page, Segar, Bianchi, Lenzi, and Edward King mentioned on pages 5-7 of the report at 99a(1). He is making enquiries about these persons and will also provide Somerset House (AOB: They likely were pointing at: Registry of Birth, Marriage and Death Certification) at particulars of the firm of Spink. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somerset_House)
Sir Edward Reid, B.1b. is also obtaining particulars of Spink and Edward King through his channels.
B.1.b. 26.5.45 R.E. Bird
108.
S.L.B.3. Colonel Seymer
You will wish to have this file in connection with paragraph 2 of 104d.
I think Section V (AOB: S.I.S. counter-Intelligence section) should have a copy of the Interrogation Report a 99a(1), and I have so promised Miss Sinclair. Perhaps you would let me have one of the three spares for which you have asked O.S.S. at 100a so that I can send it to Miss Sinclair.
B.1.b. 28.6.1945 R.E. Bird
109.
28.5.1945 Telegram to S.I.M.E. (Secret Intelligence Middle East) 109a
28.5.1945 From O.S.S. X-2 with copy of cable from X-2 Rome re Schurch 109b
28.5.1945 Request for Home Office records on Sirombo with negative results 109c
110.
29.5.1945 To Section V (counter intelligence of S.I.S.) 110a
KV 2/76-1, page 19L
Crown Copyright
111.
1.6.1945 Result of look-up on report 99a(1). 111a
112.
1.6.1945 From B.6 (M.I.5) re (Mr.) Page and Segar. 112a
2.6.1945 From O.S.S. in reply to 100a. 112b
3.6.1945 From M.I.9 (AOB: this office was concerned with secret communication by means of regular British citizen kept in enemy hands) with ext. from statement by F.O. Netherwary re "Capt. Richards" 112c
??? From S.I.M.E. in reply to 109a 113a
??? To R.S.L.O. Reading re enquiries on Page 114a
??? From A.6? (AOB: this might point at the Home Office) re arrival of Lt. Wilding, L.D.C. 114b
This white strip might indicate that something was stored incorrectly: or that they preferred to make a matter invisible; and sometimes this truly was the case.
116.
?.6.1945 Summary of trace for Lt.Col. Carlo Scrirombo 116a
??.6.1945 Note by B.1.b. (M.I.5) on failure to trace Edward King in connection with Sprinks's bank account. 117a
AOB: are these minutes essential? I have my doubts, but they do exist and I therefore will transcribe them.
KV 2/76-1, page 20m
Crown Copyright
118.
14.6.1945 To S.I.B (Special Investigation Branch) (C.M.P.) (?) asking for a statement from Lt. Wilding. L.D.C. 118a
119.
15.6.1945 From S.I.S. further to 105a. 119a
120.
16.6.1945 Extract from S.I.M.E. Summary No. 231 re Schurch 120a
27.6.1945 From SIB with original copy of statement by Lt. Wilding. 120b
29.6.1945 From AG3c(r) with copies of statement by Schurch and Capt. Archer & Lascaris.
121.
Note.
I telephoned Major Atkinson today regarding 114a. I gathered that a report had been obtained by the Hampshire police which was not regarded as wholly satisfactory and was referred back for fuller particulars. Major Atkinson informed me that a report could be expected with the next day or two.
B.1.b. (M.I.5) 2.7.1945 (Sgd.) R.E. Bird
122.
2.7.1945 To AG3c (?) interim reply to 120c (?) ???
File Closed.
KV 2/76-1, page 22n (minute 120a)
Crown Copyright
76th Section,
Special Investigation Branch,
Corps of Military Police,
Central Mediterranean Forces.
Ref: SIB76/A/45/639
Subject:- in Custody No. T/61711
Ptc. Schurch Theodore John William (AOB: I would not wonder when he actually once was baptised in Switzerland as: Theodor Johann Wilhelm).
432 Company, Royal Army Service Corps,
201 Guards Brigade,
8th Army, 2nd Echelon. M.E.F.
To:- Provost Marshal,
Rome Area Allied Command.
Distribution. At about 14,30 hours on the 28th May, 1945. in company with Lieut. C.W. Pinder of this Section, I arrested the above-named on Holding Charges of:-
Report and Statements. 1. W.O.A.S. Deserting His Majesty's Service, in that he absented himself without leave from ? until apprehended by the Military Police at Rome on the 28th May, 1945, dressed in plain clothes.
2. W.O.A.S. Conduct to the prejudice of good order and Military Discipline, in that he, at Benghazi, on the 14th September 1942, did wear the badges of rank of an Officer and did pass himself of as Captain John Richards of the Inter Service Liaison Department, for the purpose of obtaining information of military importance for the use of the enemy.
The accused now stands in close arrest pending a Summary of Evidence.
File. The facts leading up to the arrest of the accused are as follows:
On 26th May, 1945, a telephone message was received from Major G.T. Saunders, A.P.M. S.I.B. A.F.H.Q. to the effect that the above named was being held by G.S.I. Branch, Rome Area Allied Command, and was believed to be a British soldier, and requesting that an investigation be made.
In consequence, at 10.15 hours on Sunday 27th May, 1945 accompanied by Lieut. C.W. Pinder of this Section, I visited the Carcere Minorenni Aristide Sabelli Prison, Rome, where I saw a civilian of the name of Theodore John William Schurch. I said to him, "Are you No. T/61711 Pte. Theodore John William Schurch of the Royal Army Service Corps?" He replied, "Yes Sir".
I then told him who I was and after cautioning him I told him I was making enquiries into his Military history as I believed him to be a deserter from H.M. Forces. He replied, "I am prepared to give you a full statement of everything. I have played my game and lost fairly."
He then made a statement under caution, which I took down in writing at his dictation and which I he read over and signed. (Produced).
In his statement, he admits to having become an ardent Fascist prior to 1936, and enrolling into a Fascist →
KV 2/76-1, page 23
Crown Copyright
Intelligence Service in England. At the request of a Fascist Intelligence Chief he joined the British Army on the 8th July, 1936, (AOB: remember: neglected by British entities:- Mr. Schurch possessed also the Swiss nationality. And quite some of the Swiss population possessed a form of understanding of a nation opposing the rest of the world) for six years with the Colours and six years with the Reserve, in the Royal Army Service Corps. for the purpose obtaining military information for the Fascists. He was told to volunteer for Palestine, which he did, and embarked for that country on the 11th November, 1937, in the H.M.T. California. He then describes in some detail his activities as a Fascist and German Agent, operating in the Middle East and Italy, both before and after the outbreak of war, and finally ends by stating that he is a British soldier and desires to be dealt with by the British Government.
I made enquiries, and, through Lieut. Colonel D.A.D. Young, G.S. O.2, Rome Area Allied Command, located Captain A.G. Lascaris, Intelligence Corps, attached C.S.D.I.C. (Combiner Services Detailed Interrogation Centre), Rome, who had been captured at Tobruk on the 14th September, 1942 (AOB: Likely captured by Italians), whilst on an operation from H.M.S. "Sikh".
At 14.30 hours on the 28th May, 1945, an Identification Parade was held at the Carcere Minorenni Aristide Gabelli Prison, Rome, when Captain Lascaris recognised and identified the accused as a person seen by him in an enemy P.o.W. Cage (= prison) at Derna, dressed in the uniform of, and representing himself to be, a British Officer.
In consequence of the statement made by Schurch, at 14.30 hours on the 28th May 1945, I arrested him as a British soldier, and after cautioning him, I handed him a copy of the above Holding Charges, and informed him that he was being taken into Military custody. He replied, "Thank you, Sir. Is this all I am to be charged with?" He then again, locked up at the Carcere Minorenni Aristede Gabelli Prison, Rome, pending removal.
It is respectfully pointed out that the time and place of Holding Charge No. 2 is most probably incorrect, as the accused cannot be definite on such details owing to the lapse of time, and that the times and dates referred to in the statement of Captain Lascaris are more likely to be correct.
The accused insists that he is a Swiss subject, and is in possession of a Swiss passport No. 1069412/1980 issued at Como, Italy, on the 23rd October, 1944.
Copies of all statements are attached hereto.
In the Field. 29th May, 1945
R.A. Archer. Captain.
D.A.P.M. 76th Section,
Special Investigation
Branch.
KV 2/76-1, page 24p
Crown Copyright
76th Section,
Special Investigation Branch,
Corps of Military Police,
Central Mediterranean Forces.
28th May, 1945.
Statement of:-
Captain A.G. Lascaris (No. 202650),
Intelligence Corps,
C.S.D.I.C., (Combiner Services Detailed Interrogation Centre)
C.M. Forces.
Who states:-
On the 14th September, 1942, I was on board H.M.S. "Sikh", attached to 11th Battalion, The Royal Marines, when this Units attacked Tobruk from Sea.
At about 1300 hours 14th September, 1942, my party and I were captured at sea about two miles off Tobruk, by the Italians.
We were taken to what was known as Navy House, Tobruk, and searched and given some food. About 1400 or 1500 hours the same day, we were placed in buses, that is the officers only, and taken to Derna, where we arrived at about 0030 hours on the 15th September 1942.
GoogleEarth
The main places on this Libyan desert map from right to the left-hand side: Tobruk - Derna and Benghazi
The officers were segregated from the men, the officers being put into a square fort known as the Ridotta Taranto which was on the top of a small sandhill overlooking the sea. We stayed there until approximately 1200 hours on the 17th September, 1942, when were removed from this fort and taken on lorries to the Derna Aerodrome, from where we were flown to Lecce.
Whilst at Derna, all officer prisoners suspected the presence of a "stool pigeon". We all suspected the South African interpreter, who had been there for some time, and who was the only person allowed outside the fort. This Interpreter was the only British O.R. in the P.o.W. Camp, all others being officers.
On the 28th May, 1945, at the request of Captain Archer of the Special Investigation Branch, Rome, I attended an Identification Parade at the Carcere Minorenni Aristide Gabelli Prison, Rome, for the purpose of identifying any person or persons I had seen in the uniform of a British officer, in the Fort of Derna, during the period of my detention there. From a line of eight soldiers, all dressed alike in American fatigue uniform, I, without hesitation. whatsoever, identified one of these soldiers, whom I know to be Pte. Theodore John William Schurch of the R.A.S.C. as having been in the P.o.W. Cage (prison) at Derna, with myself and other officers captured with me. When I last saw Schurch at Derna he was in the uniform of a British Officer, but I cannot say by what name he then was known.
I have read over the above statement. It is correct and true.
(Signed) A.G. Lascaris
Captain
Statement taken down and signature witnessed by Captain R.A. Archer of Military Police, at Rome, on the 28th May 1945.
KV 2/76-1, page 25q
Crown Copyright
76th Section,
Special Investigation Branch,
Corps of Military Police,
Central Mediterranean Forces.
28th May, 1945.
Statement of :-
Captain R.A. Archer, (313259).
D.A.P.M., 76th Section,
Special Investigation Branch,
Corps of Military Police.
Who states :-
At 10.15 hours on Sunday 27th May, 1945, as a result of information received, I visited the Carcere Minorenni Aristide Gabelli Prison, Rome, accompanied by Lieut. C.W. Pinder of this section, where I saw a civilian of the name of Theodore John William Schurch, in custody.
I said to him, "Are you T/61711 Pte. Theodore John William Schurch of the R.A.C.C.?" He replied, "Yes, Sir".
I then said to him, "I am Captain R.A. Archer. D.A.P.M. of S.I.B. and I am making enquiries into your Military history, as I believe you to be a deserter from H.M. Forces. You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so, but anything you do say will be taken down in writing and may be given evidence. He replied, "I am prepared to give you full statement of everything. I have played my game and lost fairly."
He then made a voluntary statement under caution, which I took down in writng at his dictation and which he read over and signed, in the presence of Lieut. C.W. Pinder of this Section, (produced).
On Monday 28th May, 1945, I attended an Identification Parade at the above prison, conducted by Lieut. C.W. Pinder, S.I.B., where I saw Captain Lascaris, Intelligence Corps, C.S.D.I.C., without hesitation identify Pte. Schurch as a person he had seen dressed in the uniform of a British Officer at the P.o.W. Cage (prison) at Derna on or about 15th September, 1942.
IN consequence of the statement made by Pte. Schurch, I then cautioned him and handed him a copy of the Holding Charges on which I informed him he was being taken into military custody. He replied, "Thank you, Sir. Is this all I am to be charged with?"
R.A. Archer, Captain,
D.A.P.M., 76th Section,
Special Investigation Branch.
KV 2/76-1, page 26r
Crown Copyright
Cancere Minorenni Aristed,
Gabelli Prison,
Rome.
27th May, 1945.
Statement of :-
No. T/61711 Pte. Schurch Theodore John William
432 Company, Royal Army Service Corps,
201 Guards Brigade,
8th Army, 2nd Echelon, M.E.F.
Who states :-
I have been cautioned that I am not obliged to say anything unless I wish to do so but that anything I do say will be taken down in writing and may be given in evidence.
(Signed) T.J.W. Schurch.
(3) (since 18 September 2024)
I am an Swiss subject and was born on the 5th May, 1918, at Queens Charlotte's Hospital, London. I was baptized at the Swiss D=Church in London and was registered as a Swiss citizen by my father Theodor
Schurch, in his village of Rohrbach, Canton Bern (Berne), Switzerland.From the time I first remember I lived with my parents at 86 Walford Road, Stoke Nowington, London, N.16; from there we moved to 30 or 33 Coastlewood Road, Stamford Hill, London, N.16, and from there to 30 West Court, North Wembley, Middlesex, which is my last address in England. After leaving school I worked for several firms in the Wembley area, as a costing accountant.
On the 8th July, 1936, I went to the recruiting Office in Whitehall, London, to join the Army, as it was put forward to me by a mister Bianchi, who had previously enrolled me in the Fascist Intelligence Service (AOB: Italian linked or BUF?), and who definitely asked me to join the Roayal Army Service Corps as a driver. After certain formalities, I signed my attestation papers and joined the British Army on the 8th July, 1936 for years with the Colours and six years with the Reserve, in the rank of a Driver and was allotted the Army number of No.T/61711.
I was posted to Buller Baracks, Aldershot, to No.2 Training Company. I was there for three months, until I completed my military training, after I was sent to the Royal Army Service Corps Driving School at Feltham for eight weeks. I was then posted to Aldershot Service Companies, Clayton Barracks, and later posted to No. 9 R.A.S.O. Coy, at Borden.
During this time, the Fascist had been in touch with me through a Mr. Edward King, (I think his surname was King, who worked at Messrs. Spingks, Curio Dealers, Regent Street, London, and, according to his instructions, I volunteered for overseas service in the Middle East.
I eventually embarked from
I eventually embarked from Liverpool on the H.T. California on the 11th November, 1937, for Palestine, with a draft including the Border Regiment. We arrived at Haifa on the 19th November, 1937, and went to 14 Coy Detachment, R.A.S.O. Jerusalem. After a short while, I was posted H.Q. 14 Company, at Sarafand, where I stayed for two months, then being posted to the detachment at Jerusalem, to take over a staff car of the G.H.Q. (General Headquarters?), Palestine, and Transjordan, then under General Wavell.
KV 2/76-1, page 27s
Crown Copyright
About this time, 14 Company was split into two companies, 68 Compamy and 14 Company. I was posted to 68 Company still at Jerusalem whose job was the Staff Cars, Rodexes (R.A.F. Wireless Truck) and petrol for the Jerusalem Area.
After a short while in Jerusalem, I was approached by an Arab who asked me who I was. On telling him he asked me to get in touch with a Mr. Homsi of Jaffa Road, Jaffa, who was a friend of Mr. Bianchi's. I went to see Homsi, receiving from him instructions to supply all movements of General Wavell and other Staff Officers, Heads of of the various departments at G.H.Q., which was quite easy for me to do, as all my friends in the Barrack Room were their drivers, and I knew where they were going and for how long by their Transport Work Tickets, and that they told me. At this time, General Wavell's drivers were Cpl. Hurrell and later Driver Heath.
I supplied all the information he desired about such movements and military information that he needed about location of troops. I did this because I thought that in my small way I was helping the Fascist Movement in which I believed.
About the beginning of 1940, I was sent to Sarafand and I changed the trade from Driver to Technical Mechanical Transport Clerk, under the instructions of Mr. Homsi/ I was still with 68 Company. Whilst in his department, Homsi wanted information of material and equipment being supplied to the theatre, which I was not able to supply then, as was in the wrong department.
In early 1941 I was compulsorily posted to Egypt. to R.A.S C. Bage Depot at Geneita and from there to No. 6 M.T. Supply depot, Tel-El Ke Bir, where I found I could give the information Homsi needed as this was the M.T. Supply Depot for all the Middle East.
Upon arriving at my new unit, and leave being refused me, I went A.W.O.L. for the purpose of seeing Homsi and telling him where I was. For this I did Field Punishment. As a result of seeing Homsi, I later received a letter from Bianchi, telling me to meet him at Groppi's Cafe, Cairo, which I did. After this I tried to contact Bianchi according his instructions, but was unable to.
Italy had then entered the war (June 1940) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Italy_during_World_War_II) and I lost contact with all fascist Agents in Egypt. With the idea of getting across the line to contact Italian Intelligence, I began agitating my Unit for a posting to a front line unit. After about eight months, I finally managed to get a posting to 432 Company, R.A.S.C. in the Tobruk area in the month of June 1942.
I was only there a couple of days when the Germans took Tobruk and I became prisoner of war. After a couple of weeks, during which the confusion settled down, and I approached an Italian Intelligence officer at Benghazi, to where I had been transferred, and asked to be put in touch with the Italian Intelligence, who were under the control of of Lt.Col. Mario Revetria. Eventually I got in touch with Col. Revetria, who got in touch with Rome, checking my statements, after which I came under his control, doing such work as getting information from Prisoners of War, particularly officers, and also crossing the lines getting specified information of the British, according to instructions.
KV 2/76-1, page 28t
Crown Copyright
My first job under Colonel Revetria was on 13th September, 1942, at Ain-Gazala, where he asked me to go immediately to Tobruk where two British Naval ships, the Sikh and the Zulu had been sunk when trying to land troops at Tobruk. The German and Italian had had previous information concerning this movement, and had prepared for it. I went to Tobruk in the uniform of a British soldier with my own A.B.64 Parts I and II with instructions to get information from prisoners from these two ships, as to their units, and what the object of the operation was. I stayed with the prisoners all that day, mainly mixing with the with the officers; that everything being transferred with all the other prisoners to Derna, the whole time getting the information as ordered, under the guise of a British private, which I actually was.
The next morning, an Italian Captain, who was responsible to Col. Revetria for Derna and had me taken out of the P.o.W. cage (prison camp) and asked me if I had got the information required. I told him, "Yes", and he took me immediately to his office in Derna. After giving him the information, Col. Revetria asked me to go to Benghazi with him and one other Italian who spoke perfect English, having lived at Victoria, London. all his life, whose name was Giovanni Antoniasi.
Colonel Revetria explained that some British prisoners had been captured on the night of September 13th
1943(1942), at Barchi and Benghazi and he wshed to know what their Unit was and all information respecting this type of unit. Antonasi dressed himself in the uniform of a Flight Lieutenant of the Fleet Air Arm, and I dressed myself as a British Captain of the Inter Service Liaison Department, giving my name as Captain John Richards. This was on September 14th, 1942, and the prisoners were brought into a room where we were waiting and we stayed together for approximately six hours, after which we gave the signal to taken us out as we had the necessary information. We found out ther they were special units of the Long Range Desert Group. en (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Range_Desert_Group), later called the Special Air Service.The next job that Col. Revetria gave me was round about October 1942, to cross to the English to get any important information I could get hold of. In consequence I went as an English Private, using my own documents. I crossed the lines at (El) Alamein, reported to a British Officer that I was escaped P.o.W. and was sent to transit Camp not far from Alexandria. I stayed there four or five days and, having obtained the information desired, I re-crossed the lines into the Italian hands, where after giving the password, I was sent to Ain-Gazala to Col. Revetria, to whom I gave the information I had acquired.
The next time I went to work as an agent took it, and, after obtaining information, particularity as regards the state of lines of communication, I returned to the Italian via the front line. I reported to Col. Revetria and, a few days afterwards. he again asked me to go through the lines at Al Agheila which I did again as a British private.
GoogleEarth
El Agheila is more or less halve way Cairo and Tunisia. When Rommel's troops (DAK) punched eastwards in 1941, El Agheila was also a German key back-bone
At this time I went to work as an agent was when I stayed behind at Benghazi, when the British took it, and, after obtaining information, particularly as the regards of the lines of communications, I returned to the Italians via the front line. I reported to Colonel Revetria and, a few days afterwards, he again asked me to go through the lines at El Agheila which he did as a British private.
At this time the lines were static at El Agheilia (El Algheila) and Colonel Revetria had his headquarters at Homs. During this time, two or three patrols of the Special Air Service were captured, and, by this time, Colonel Revetria had made it my responsibility to get information from all prisoners of the Special Air Service. I mixed with three officers and also other ranks of the captured patrols, again as Captain John Richards, and from information received in this manner, and from documents captured, we found where other patrols were located, and also their strength. From →
KV 2/76-1, page 29u
Crown Copyright
this information received, we were able to capture two other patrols, and acquired information as to the operations of their patrols in this area in the near future.
Also about this time, a Major Chapman of the I.S.L.D. was also captured, who was working behind Italian lines getting information re troop transports and lines of communication.
Just after this, owing to British advance, Col. Revetria changed his head quarters to Villagio Bianchi and I went by hospital ship from Tripoli to Naples and then to S.I.M. (Italian Military Secret Service) Headquarters at Rome. This was at the end of January or the beginning to February, 1943. I was then asked to try and locate British wireless station operating in the Vatican City, and for this purpose, I operated in civilian clothes, without success.
(M2184 ↓↓ M2184return)
I was then sent to a special Prisoners of War Camp in Rome to get information from a British Colonel. I was put in with Colonel Stirling , C.o. (Commanding officer) of the S.A.S., whom I found to be the Colonel referred to, and I recognised from a description and his badges. I was posing as a Captain John Richards of the R.A.S.C., and, as all the necessary information respecting the S.A.S. had already been obtained, I was told only to obtain the name of Colonel Stirling's successor. This I found out to be a Captain "Paddy" Mayne.
Later on, Easter Sunday 1943, I again went to this camp in Rome of behalf of the German Intelligence, to whom I had been loaned, for the purpose of gaining information of all British Submarine activities etc. in the Mediterranean from Lieut. Bromage of the Royal Navy, commander of the British submarine Sahib and from Lieut. Hardy. R.N.V.R., Navigational Officer in the British submarine Splendid, both these vessels have been sunk/ I again went as Capt. John Richards of the R.A.S.C. and was dressed in British battledress with Captains' pips. From these two officers, unknown to themselves, I obtained information that "S" Squadron submarines were operating at certain bases in the Mediterranean. the names of the submarine commanders, and that the Squadron Commander at that time was Ben Bryant.
About April, 1943, I again went to this P.o.W/ Camp to get information from three naval officers and one army officer of the Special Boat Service. One of the naval was Lieut. Bart, the Scottish Third Lanark footballer, and a Sergeant in the Royal Engineers. I got the information and handed it to the Italians. (AOB: how might Schurch having communicated with the Italian Colonel? in German or even English language?) For this purpose, I was again Captain John Richards of the R.A.S.C.
A bout a month later, again as "Capt. Richards" I got information from a Sergeant of the Special Boat Service, whom I learned in peace-time was a Metropolitan policeman.
About September, 1943, I was sent to Perugia (Umbria and near to Toscana) in civilian clothes, with my British pay book to get in touch with people who were supposed to be working for the British Intelligence, but, owing to to the Italian Armistice de https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietro_Badoglio and en (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietro_Badoglio) being signed, I was arrested by the German troops who believed me to be an escaped prisoner of war.
While in transit by rail to Germany with other British prisoners of war, I escaped with others and made my way to Rome, where I was taken yo Obst. (Colonel) Helfferich, head of the German Military Abwehr in Italy, by the German Military Police (AOB: = geheime Feldpolizei = GFP), to whom I had given my history, After being in hospital for some time for injuries →
KV 2/76-1, page 30v
Crown Copyright
injuries sustained to my ankle when escaping from the train, I was collected by Major Schneeweis, who was the head of Obst. (Colonel) Helfferich's Department (in Rome) and from that time I commenced to work for the Abwehr and later (think of August 1944) the S.D. (AOB: incorrect: Amt VI which the British incorrectly considered being the SD. What actually happened was - that Hitler had ordered on 12 February 1944, after the defection de Vermehren couple (https://www.cdvandt.org/erich-vermehren-case.htm) the merging of both R.S.H.A (Reichssicherheitshauptamt SS controlled) Amt VI and the newly established Amt Mil or Milamt. AOB: I suppose he became under the jurisdiction of Amt VI)
After this, on several occasions, I posed as a British escaped P.o.W. in civilian clothes, and also as a British agent contacting Italian agents working for the British Intelligence. This was to obtain information for the Germans.
At the end of March, 1945, I was detailed by General (Brigadeführer) Hasler, Chief of the German S.D. (AOB: the S.D. had actually a police function, again wrongly interpreted we should think of R.S.H.A. Amt 6) in Italy and Senior Officers of Department (= Amt VI) of the
SDto come to Rome and the Vatican to get political information concerning England, Russia, France, Spain, countries occupied by Russia. and what the Vatican was doing concerning these things, such as Pacts, etc., especially by Russia, and also about the Gaulle and Franco (Heading Spain), and what was Archbishop Spellman doing doing for the Americans.Whilst at La Spezia en route for Rome, the Allied occupied La Spezia and whilst waiting to get transport to go to Rome, I was apprehended by an American officer of the C.I.C.
Having become too deeply involved in the Axis, I was unable to return to the British Army, although my faith in the Fascist Movement at one time deteriorated owing to the fact that the Heads and important people of the German and Italian Commands were living in a manner directly opposite to the policy of Fascism with (which?) was my cause.
In October, 1944, I received from the Swiss General Consulate at Como, Italy, my Swiss Passport solely for my own use if at any time I should need it, this being the first Swiss passport I have had.
I quite realise, from what I have done in these past years, the consequences, and I am quite willing to face them, but if in any way I can help the British Authorities in whatsoever manner they want me to, I am quite willing to do so. As I am still a British soldier, I which to be treated as such, and be dealt with by the British Government.
(Signed) T.J.W. Schurch.
I have read over the above statement, and have had the opportunity of making any alteration of addition where necessary. It is made voluntarily and is correct and true.
(Signed) T.J.W. Schurch.
Statement taken down by Captain R.A. Archer, D.A.P.M., 76th Section, Special Investigation Branch Corps of Military Police, and signature witnessed by Lieut. C.W. Pinder, 76th Section, Special Investigation Branch, Corps of the Military Police, at the Carcere Minrani Aristede Gebelli Prison, Rome, on 27 May, 1945.
(AOB: we will now encounter a fact of keeping matters out-off the public domain/ cq hiding some information:)
KV 2/76-1, page 32a
Crown Copyright
(minutes 114a and 117a)
The Original Document (including its true text content) retained under section 3/4 of the Public Records Act of 1958)
Is this all we get to know?
No, minute references 114a and 117a being available
KV 2/76-1, page 19
Crown Copyright
minutes 114a + minutes 117a
Quoting: To R.S.L.O. Reading re enquiries on Page 114a
. . .
?6-1945 Note by B.1.b. (= an desk within M.I.5) on failure to trace Edward King in connection with Spinks's bank account. 117a
KV 2/76-2, page 6
Crown Copyright
Note for PF 307933 (AOB: = Schurch's genuine file reference, the KV 2/xxx serials originate from somewhere in the 1950 or early 1960s)
PF 65075 (AOB: does not provide a reference at the British National Archives; albeit that I might have worked with this reference before) refers Vol.1 386 records that in 1943 the Italian Secret Service was entirely contained in an organization called SIM, not under the Genneral Staff but under the Supreme Command. The organization was divided into 4 sections. Of these SIE was devoted to overseas espionage and the head of this section was Lt. Col. Derenzi ? id. with de Renzi mentioned by Schurch. It was housed in Palazzo Barracchini. Much of the actual was done by young men named Ciro under Major Ame or Eme? Renzi's cover name have been "Avocardi" Age 54 1.74m average build. Ruddy complexion.
Sgd. V.H, Seymer
Lt. Colonel
S.L.B.3 (prosecution Branch) 24.5.1945
(4) (since 21 September 2024)
KV 2/76-2, page 7
Crown Copyright
Special Branch,
New Scotland Yard,
London, S.W.1
361/INH/467
18th May, 1945
M.I.5.
In reply to your PF 307933/F.3.d. of 15th May 1945:-
We have no previous record of the persons mentioned in your letter apart from Schurch, the subject of our 31316/D.S.(S.1) and our report in reply thereto dated 26th June, 1936.
Sgd. Deputy Assistant Commissioner.
AOB: please bear always in mind: that the KV 2/xxxx serials do run reversed in time with increasing PDF page numbers; the only exceptions are the "Minutes Sheets" these run appropriately.
KV 2/76-2, page 10a
Crown Copyright
SCI Unit Z
Rome JRX-409
28/29/30 April 1945
5 May 1945
Subject: Interrogation Report of Theodore Schürch
Captured Enemy Agent (Arab I.S.; SIM; S.D. (factually R.S.H.A. Amt VI)
(AOB: this is the first time an "Umlaut" being used. As in Britain - they didn't dare about spelling correctly, it is not unlikely that our subject was correctly named "Schürch"; I consider that in this respect the Americans were more accurate in their ways of spelling)
Case: A. Subject:
1. Subject is a 27 year old former RASC (Royal Army Service Corps) enlisted man of Swiss nationality. Although born and raised in London, he retained his father's citizenship. Subject is gifted with an inate shrewdness and natural intelligence which compensates for his obvious lack of education. It is doubted that his enthusiasm for the Fascist cause motivated his actions. Un doubtedly that his enthusiasm for the Fascist cause motivated his actions. Undoubtedly, the remuneration (payment) and the easy living were mainly responsible for his activities with various intelligence services. Subject spoke freely and in detail and it is felt that he told the truth.
B. Employing Agency:
2. Arab Intelligence Service, SIM ultimately, the SD (actually Amt VI?) in Italy.
C. Charge and Circumstances of Arrest:
3. Subject was arrested by CIC, 92nd Div. agents at La Spezia on 25 April 1945 on suspicion of being a German post-occupation agent. →
GoogleEarth
The Naval Base La Spezia - might be situated still in the Northern part of Toscana
→ He was turned over to this Unit for interrogation.
D. Comments and Recommendation:
4. Subject has told a story plainly reveals his treacherous nature. He has been a traitor in the pay of a foreign power, although he claims that his actions were based →
KV 2/76-2, page 11b
Crown Copyright
?????????? at Tottenham
Left school at the age of 16.
Political Adherence: Fascist.
7. Description:
Height: 1.72 m
Weight: 60 kgs.
Build: Slim
Hair: Blond, combed back, smooth.
Eyes: Grey
Features: High cheekbones; sunken face;
protruding ears; crooked,
protruding teeth. Small blond moustache.
Type: Fairly composed; talkative; smokes constantly.
8. Relations.
Father: Theodor (AOB: N.T. means no evidence found in M.I.5 "look-up" references) Born at Rohrbach, Bern (Berne), Switzerland.
Profession Staff member Hotel Savoy in London.
Last known address: 30 West Court, No. Wembley, Middlesex
Mother: Eunice Henrietta née Chapman (NT)
Born LOndon area, England, date unknown. Address same as above.
Sister: Pauline Eunice Schürch
Born London, 1927 (about)a
Living with parents.
9. Documents.
a. Swiss Passprot No. 1069412/1980, issued to "Sigs?; Schürch Theodore, John, William, figlio di Theodore a di Eunice Enrichetta nata Chapman,," at Milano, Como, li 23 Ottobre 1944 by the Consul General of Switzerland.
b. A "Tessera d'Immatricolazione" No. 1766 issued to Subject stating that he is a Swiss citizen.
KV 2/76-2, page 12c
Crown Copyright
c. A "Militärpflichtersatz-Erklärung," issued at Venice on 4 January 1945.
d. A "Raccomandata" issued at Como on 13 December 1944 by the Consul General of Switzerland, written in German and signed by the Consul General.
G?. Military Experience:
8 July 1936: Enlisted in the RASC (Royal Army Service Corps), Regimental No. 61711, posted to Buller Barracks, Aldershot, England for three months' basic training.
Nov.? 1936: To RASC Driving School at Feltham, Middlesex, trained as Driver-Mechanic; about two months' training.
Jan. 1937: Transferred to duty to No. 9 Cc RASC at Borden, near Aldershot.
11 Nov. 1937: Left England for overseas duty, arriving Palestine 19 November. At Sarafand, Jerusalem was attached to 14 Co. RASC (which later became in part, 68th Co.) where Subject transferred to Staff Car Section of 68th Co. for the General Hq. of the General Command of Palestine and Transjordania.
? 1940: Changed trade from Driver-Mechanic to Technical Mechanical Transport Clerk and went into the operational and Control Transport Office in Sarafand.
? 1941: Left Operational and Control Office early in the year and was sent to the RASC Base Depot at Genefa, Egypt where he stayed for two weeks and was then transferred to No. 6 Mechanical Transport Supplies Depot at Tel-el-Kabir, Egypt where he remained until June 1942.
June 1942: Returned to the RASC Base Depot in Genefa, Egypt, stayed for two days and was transferred to 432 Co. of fhe 201st Guards Brigade of the 7th Armoured Division; 2nd Echelon, which was in Tobruk when it fell to the Germans.
KV 2/76-2, page 13d
Crown Copyright
Narrative:
H. 1st Contact with Italian Intelligence Service (SIM):
10. Early in 1935, when Subject was employed by the Lancegaye Safety Glass Co. Ltd. at Wembley Exhibition Grounds, Palace of Industry), a young lady, Irene Page telephone operator of the firm, succeeded in interesting him, in the Fascist movement in England. Every Saturday, Page came to work in a black shirt. Subject claims that he never wore the uniform due to the fact that his family was unaware of his Fascist activities. They objected strenuously, however, to his late hours activities due to the fact that he was then but 17 years old.
11. Subject was taken by page to a house in Willesden near Wembley (address not remembered) for for party meetings. There was no Fascist centre in Wembley (the home of a person who was in the party, called Edgar? Segar. in High Street Wembley). NT (= is no reference found). The meetings were mainly political and there was no evidence of any subversive activity. Subject claims that unknowingly he became acquainted with the with the higher circle in his district and once spoke wit Sir Oswald Moseley (BUF). (KV 2/881 ... KV 2/895; PF 48909)
12. After about three months, at one of the meetings at High Street, a person told Subject that in spite of his youth, Subjects quick intelligence could be used to better advantage by the party. It was suggested to Subject (by this person, name unknown) that he go into the secret Service. Subject thought that this person was "pulling his leg" and replied that his youth and education disqualified him. However, he was told that in the intelligence service one only had to be in a position to give information and that the rest was simple. Subject agreed and asked what his duties were to be. He was told he would be contacted later, but to think over the proposal.
13. In early April 1936, a certain Bianghi and a Renzi called at Subject's home. Subject had previously met these two men in London, and at this meeting they again brought up the subject of his helping the movement. Both men spoke perfect English. Subject agreed to the proposal and asked what the work would be. They suggested that he go into the British Army, and →
KV 2/76-2, page 14e
Crown Copyright
mentioned the Royal Army Service Corps specifically. At no time during the meeting was money or any type of remuneration discussed, although they did mention that "he would be taken care of."
14. Inn reply to Subjects question as to a future contact after his enlistment, they informed him that they would know of his movements and inform him later.
15. The next day, (about the end of April 1936), Subject went to the recruiting center (centre) in Whitehall. The recruiting Sgt. took him to the Colonel's office where he signed the necessary papers. He was excused from the Army educational examination as he had adequate schooling. He was instructed to return after one month at which time he would be old enough.
16. About 15 May 1936, Subject returned to the recruiting office and was accepted into the service. He filled out more forms and was informed that he would have to wait until he was notified to report, pending investigation of his Swiss citizenship. Up to this time, Subject had not yet told his family that he was entering the Army as he foresaw family objections.
17. However, upon returning home from work one day, his mother informed him that members of the Criminal Investigation Department of Scotland Yard had been to the house to ask for his papers. Finally, on 7 July, Subject received a letter questioning that he report to the Whitehall station, and on 8 July, he was enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps.
I. Contact with Italian Intelligence While in the Army:
18. While Subject was in training at Aldershot, he received a letter requesting that he meet Bianchi in London at Frascati's Restaurant. Subject obtained a week-end leave pass (about the third week-end in August 1936) and met Bianchi outside of Frascati's. During the dinner, Bianchi instructed him to become an Army driver, as his occupation would place Subject a useful position for gaining information. Subject accepted £5 from Bianchi in order to purchase a Regimental dress uniform.
KV 2/76-2, page 15f
Crown Copyright
19. When Subject left, Bianchi told him he would write to him and request Subjects regimental number and full address. According to Subject, Bianchi knew apparently, the Army system because before Subject left Aldershot, Bianchi wrote to him inquiring when he would be arriving at Feltham, which was to be Subject's next station.
20. Arriving at Feltham, Subject wrote to Bianchi c/o Spinks (well known antique shop) Regent Street, near Piccadilly Circuit, to one of its directors or managers, a Mr. Edward King?, giving information about his unit and where he would be in Feltham. Subject received no answer to his letter.
21. Toward the end of December 1936, Subject received a letter from King, asking Subject to meet him on a Saturday evening (before Christmas), at Trafalgar Square tube station of the Piccadilly line.
22. Subject kept the appointment, at which time King suggested that they go to the Savoy Hotel for tea. Subject refused to do so since his father was employed there (Subject never informed his family of his extra-curricular activities). Therefore, they went to Lyons' Corner House where King asked Subject if he wanted money. Subject said he did, sine he had no money with which to purchase Christmas presents for his family, having lost his money playing cards. King gave him £15, the amount Subject requested. King asked that Subject let him know to what Co. he would be posted on completing the Driver-Mechanic course. Subject feels that King was a go-between for Bianchi as the latter was presumably not in England. King at no time mentioned Bianchi or any other personality. In fact, when Subject, when Subject asked how Bianchi was, King replied that he was fine, indicating by the tone of his voice that he did not wish to discuss him.
23. Subject spent Christmas with his family who took rooms at a hotel in London for a few days.
24. In January 1937, Subject left Feltham for Borden at which time he wrote to King notifying him of his whereabouts. King was pleased because he had relatives or friends near there at Farnham (between Aldershot and Borden). Subject, however, never visited them. In his latter to Subject, King enclosed a → £5 note. (Subject said that King did this often when he wrote).
(5) (since 23 September 2024)
KV 2/76-2, page 16g
Crown Copyright
£5 note. Subject (= Schürch) said that King (AOB: The British could not trace someone named King related Schürch's file; but it is most likely that King had been a cover-name) did this often when he wrote).
25. At Borden, Subject was assigned a truck pick up rations at Aldershot which were then taken to the Longmoor command.
26. One day, when Subject had been with the Unit about five month, an order was issued, requesting volunteers for overseas service. About June 1937 wrote to King, telling him about this order and requesting instructions. King replied, asking Subject volunteer for Middle East service specifically, and Subject did.
27. Subject was inoculated for overseas duty in July and was then given a month's leave which he spent at home in August.
28. About 10 November, Subject left England on a troop ship, HMS California, with two Regiments: The Regiment and the Royal Ulster Rifles (?), arrivining on 19 November 1937 at Haifa, Palestine; from there by train to Jerusalem and Sarafand at which place he joined the 14th Co. RASC (R.A.S.C.)
J. Contact with Intelligence while Overseas:
29. At Sarafand, Subject was sent to the Staff Car Detachment at Jerusalem staying for about two weeks, but as there was no work for him he was returned to Sarafand and assigned a 3-ton truck. He stayed here until the 14th Co. was split in two parts, one part of which became the 68th Co., and Subject transferred with this latter Co. to Jerusalem Headquarters at the Old Fast? Hotel where he was assigned a staff car for General Hq. (about February 1938). He remained here until the end of 1939, early 1940, when he went to Sarafand, being reassigned as Technical Mechanical Transport Clerk under Capt. Ferrari, serving with the Workshop Branch.
30. He stayed with the latter until about two months, becoming a 2nd class clerk. He then went to the hospital because →
KV 2/76-2, page 17h
Crown Copyright
because of a leg ailment, staying about a month. When released, he was transferred to the Transport Operational Control Office under Capt. Dodge, later replaced by a Lt. Mackay.
31. After two months in Palestine station (January 1938) ab Italian person (name not remembered) from Palestine stopped Subject in Jerusalem one day and asked him if he was Schürch and if Subject knew Bianchi. Subject merely answered "Yes". This person then told him that he was a friend of Bianchi's and his instructions were to tell Subject to get all information regarding General Officers of the General Staff from the General Head Quarters in Jerusalem and to give this information to a Mr. Homsi (AOB: = NT not found in the Intelligence registers), an Arab of Jaffa Road, Jaffa.
32. Subject finally felt he was beginning to become of service to the movement (AOB: the Italian Secret Service) The unknown person told him that any time he wanted money to ask Homsi for it. Payment would be made even if Subject had no information to offer.
33. Subject contacted Homsi who told him that primarily, he was interested in the movements of the Commanding General Wavell; any information regarding His Excellency, the High Commissioner Henry MacMichael; troop movements of the Regiments and the strength of the troops in the following points in Palestine. Obviously he was interested only in the southern area): Nathanya; Nablus; Ramallar; Jerusalem, Beer-Sheba; Sarafand; Tel-a-Viv (Tel Aviv); Gaza. Also, troop concentrations in these quarters; when they they would be strengthened or weakened; in general all military information available in these areas.
34. Subject believes that Homsi was under the GIS (German Intelligence Service) as well as the Arab intelligence service against England. Subject has since learned that the Arabs in Palestine were controlled by the Germans. (He learned this in Rome later, when he was with Helferich. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem was present one evening in Helferich's home with Subject at Rome, and he told Subject he knew Homsi of Jaffa.)
35. Subject was told that when he had any information to offer he was to take it in person to Homsi at his home, or to write it to Homsi. (Homsi spoke perfect English).
KV 2/76-2, page 18i
Crown Copyright
36. To a certain extent, Subject (Schürch) was useful in this way because the RASC (R.S.A.C.) knew all troop movements as well as movements of all important officers, including the Assistant Director of Supply and Transport; General Wavell; Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal, as well as Captain Shaw who was in charge of the General Headquarters in spite of his low rank. Insofar as troop movements and strength of these troops were concerned, Subject was able to help considerably because the Department he was in controlled the Rodexes (Vans with W/T sets attached to the RAF (R.A.F.). When a column moved from one point to another, a Rodex would be sent with it, in the event of an ambush by the Arabs, so that the wireless with it, in the event of an ambush by the Arabs, so that the wireless operator, on orders from the officer in charge, would request Air Force support to repel the attackers.
37. When General went from Jerusalem to Haifa, he would take at least two armoured generally from the 11th Hussars, which were stationed in Jerusalem and drew their gasoline from the command where Subject was attached. Subject managed to obtain his information from fellow soldiers, drivers of command cars and others with whom he was in contact. Two drivers who were assigned to General Wavell: Cpl. Hurrel and later, George Heath, lived in the same barracks with Subject. Occasionally, Swatridge, relief driver for General Wavell, would go with the General's entourage. Swatridge, a friend of Subject's, was attached to the Staff Car Detachment, which indicated all General Officers' movements.
38. Subject saw Homsi at least once a week from about February 1938 until the end of 1940. Homsi gave Subject as much money as Subject wanted, as often as he requested it. When Subject got week-end leaves (twice a month), he would see Homsi to report information he had collected and he would receive whatever monies he requested from Homsi.
39. Homsi had a room in his home which he used as an office. When Homsi wanted special information he would ask Subject at these meetings to obtain it for him. Subject got information from GHQ personnel whom he would take out for an evening's entertainment and question casually regarding troop movements and other specific information requested by Homsi.
KV 2/76-2, page 19i
Crown Copyright
40. Homsi was a wealthy man who probably had an European education and Subject feels certain that he was a Christian Arab. He was very well known in Jaffa and was highly respected by the British Palestine Police with whom he was on very good terms. Homsi, according Subject, always acted the model citizen and would in noway himself. Homsi in discussing Arab activities with Subject, led the latter to deduce that much of the information collected had been turned over to the Arabs.
41. Early in 1941, Subject was transferred to Genefa, Egypt. Before leaving, he informed Homsi of the transfer. Homsi inquired as to his destination. Subject told him that he would be at the base depot in Genefa, Egypt, but did not know to what Co he was to be attached. Homsi told him he would arrange for someone to contact him there, asking Subject to notify him when he was assigned to a regular unit. Homsi told him he regretted his leaving and that he did not know how he would replace him. Subject asked for and received £25.
42. At the period Subject arrived in Egypt, all mail was censored by the Commanding Officer of the unit, making it impossible for him to write to Homsi.
43. Subject was assigned to No. 6 Co., "A" Group. Upon arrival, he immediately asked for an interview with the C.O. Major Whittaker that he had not had a leave in a long time and requested a 10-day pass to go to Palestine, which was refused. The next afternoon (a Friday) at 1500, Subject received his weeks pay and obtained a pass form on which he forged the name of Capt. John Richards (the alias used on later occasions).
44. That evening, with his forged pass, he went Awol (Absent without leave), took a train at 1800 hours to Ismalia, crossing the Suez Canal and then to Palestine. He evaded the military police at the barrier, by carrying the luggage of an officer who was travelling on the same train.
45. Subject went to Tel-a-Viv (Tel Aviv), contacted Homsi and told him of his new Unit and its location. Homsi was very →
KV 2/76-2, page 20k
Crown Copyright
pleased to see Subject, asked how long hw would be staying. Subject told him it did not matter since he was Awol, but that he could not stay over 21 days. Homsi asked Subject if he needed any money and gave him £30 requested.
46. After ten days, Subject went to his old Co. at Sarafand, and spent the night there, The next morning he changed from civilian clothes to a uniform and reported to his old Regimental Sgt. Major Hoffman. When he told the latter he was Awol, he was put in the guardhouse. Subject was returned to his unit under guard and given 14 days punishment, at the end of which he returned to his Unit where his C.O. asked him why he had gone Awol.
47. Subject told him that: 1) he had asked for the leave and was refused; 2) he did not like the group he was with because of the war and who were getting ratings while Subject who had been in the Army for some time, was still a private. The C.O. told him that he would be given more interesting work with the Central Receipts office which dealt with ship movements and bills of lading of machinery and equipment coming to Egypt.
48. Subject was very pleased to be here due to the possibility of obtaining much information, and also because Sgt. Major Magill, an old friend of his from the Palestine unit, was here.
49. About two weeks after Subject's return to the Unit, from his Awol trip to Tel-a-Viv (Tel Aviv) (about June), he received a letter a letter from the Continental Savoy Hotel in Cairo signed by Bianchi, arranging to meet Subject at Groppi's Rotonda Caffé in Kas-El-Nil (street) Cairo on Saturday afternoon.
50. On Friday, Subject requested leave for Saturday saying he wanted to see the Swiss Consulate at Cairo. This was refused. Nevertheless, he left Saturday morning for Cairo and, as the appointment with Bianchi was in the afternoon, he went to the Swiss Consulate requesting information on obtaining a passport, thus establishing an alibi should his unit commander check on him. The Consulate clerk noted all particulars and told Sub→ject he would be notified, which he never was.
(6) (since 25 September 2024)
KV 2/76-2, page 21L
Crown Copyright
Subject he would be notified, which he never was. He did, however, get word from his mother that the Swiss Consulate in London had requested photographs of him.
51. That afternoon, Subject met Bianchi at the Rotonda. Bianchi thanked Subject for the services he had rendered in Palestine and told him that any time he wanted Bianchi, Subject should ask the 2nd Head Porter at the Continental Savoy Hotel in Cairo. Bianchi asked Subject what his new position was and was quite pleased when Subject told him the type of work he was doing. However, before Bianchi gave him further orders, he said he would have to find out what type of information would be needed from Subject in his new position. Nothing further ever materialized due to the Italian entry into the war (June 1940) and when, about two weeks after this interview with Bianchi, Subject asked the 2nd Head Porter at the hotel in Cairo for information of Bianchi, Subject was informed that he never heard of him. In Subject's opinion, however, the 2nd Porter did not know Bianchi, but that Bianchi had probably left the country.
52. When Subject returned to his unit after this meeting with Bianchi, he told his C.O. (Commanding Officer?) that he had been in Cairo to see the Swiss Consul. He was fined a day's pay for going without permission.
53. When Subject realised that Bianchi had left the country, he tried to get a transfer to a front line unit to facilitate his crossing the lines and joining an Italian Hq. His request for transfer was refused, although he volunteered constantly in the hope that his persistency would win out.
54. Eventually, Subject was recommended for front line duty as a volunteer. He was sent to the Base Depot where he stayed for two days and was later sent to 432nd Co. RASC, 201st Guards Brigade of the 7th Armoured Division stationed at Tobruk garrison. Less then a week later, the 1st South African Div. and Subject's company were captured (by Rommel's DAK).
KV 2/76-2, page 22m
Crown Copyright
K. Activities with the SIM (Italian Military Secret Service) in North Africa:
55. For the first two or three days after capture, there was great confusion among the P.o.W.s. The Germans moved them up the line as quickly as possible, in Italian transports. Subject was moved three days after the fall of Tobruk to Derna and then to Benghasi where he was hospitalised, due to an attack of Koch's disease. (Google is providing: On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). During this time, TB killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe. He stayed stayed in an Italian hospital for three weeks, treated by captured Royal Army Medical Corps officers.
56. In August, after his release from hospital, he was sent back to the prison camp at Benghasi, where he asked the Italian commandant of the camp for an interview with an officer of the Italian intelligence.
57. The next day, a car came to the prison camp and Subject spoke to a Lt. Revetria (AOB: "NT" implied that the British Secret Services did not possess any reference on this person), a Fascist officer who took Subject to the office of Major Masi, C.O. (Commanding Officer) of the Carabinieri of Benghasi, and officer in charge of counter-espionage of the district. Subject was told to write down his story, which he did. The took about three hours.
58. He was then taken back to the camp. At 20.00 that night, the Italian C.O. (Commanding Officer) of the prison camp told him to be at the gate of the camp at 04.00 the next morning, ready to leave. Subject complied, meeting Lt. Revetria and a carabinieri, in a FIAT 1100 (car type). Subject asked where he was going in English (neither men spoke the language), but he received no answer. Subject noted that they were heading for Derna. He was well treated, but received no answer to his queries as to their destination. In the meantime, Subject took it for granted that they were going to Derna.
59. Instead, about 40 km from Tobruk, the car turned off the main road and went to Ainga-zale. There, Subject was immediately introduced to the Chief of Ufficio Informazione Militare, brother of Lt. Revetria.. Subject was then taken to the officers' mess where he had a dinner.
60. Everyone in the camp lived in tents. Col. Revetria → detailed
KV 2/76-2, page 23n
Crown Copyright
detailed an officer of the carabinieri, Lt. Catania, to see that his men put up a tent for Subject and give him whatever else he needed.
61. At about 1800 hours, Subject was sent for by (NT G1= US G 1 Service) Captain Malatesta, later Major, who spoke perfect English and whom Subject later found out was a lawyer in Egypt before the war. Malatesta brought out maps and he and Subject went into the entire military situation of the bases in Egypt with which Subject was very well acquainted, as the No. 6 Company to which he had been attached, had supplied all units in the area with mechanical equipment.
62. The next morning at 1100, Col. Revetria sent for Subject and gave him new clothes, made up of British uniforms captured at Tobruk, until such time as they could get to Derna to purchase him civilian clothing. Subject was also given 5,000 lire for spending money.
63. Until 13 September, Subject did nothing but enjoy himself swimming and resting and on that date, Col. Revetria sent for him early in the morning. Subject was asked to go to Tobruk. Subject asked why and he was told that two British naval ships, the Zulu and the Sikh (two tribal class ships) had attempted to land men at Tobruk, but had been stopped and all personnel captured.
64. Col. Revetria whished Subject to go to Tobruk with Major Biffi or Bifi, one of the few officers in Africa of the Alpini Troops, to get all information as to where these troops had come from; why they had come, and all military information connected with them. This Subject did by mingling with the captured troops in the guise of a British officer named Captain John Richards of the Long-Range Desert Group. Subject stayed with the capture British officers all day in Tobruk and when they were moved by coaches to Derna, travelled with them, gaining all the necessary information through overhearing conversations, leading questions and by what he observed personally.
65. The next morning, at the Derna P.o.W. camp where the prisoners had arrived the night before, an officer of Revetria's staff,
KV 2/76-2, page 24o
Crown Copyright
staff, whose command was in Derna, had Subject removed and asked if Subject had the necessary information, or would it be necessary for Subject to remain longer. Subject told him he had all the information. This officer immediately got in touch with Revetria who came from Ainga-zala that same day. Subject then gave Revetria all the information, asking him if it were sufficient or did he want Subject to go back. Revetria informed him he was quite satisfied.
66. Revetria then suggested that Subject go with him immediately to Benghasi as more Long-Range Desert Group of the Special Air service had been captured at Barchi and Benghasi.
67. Subject told Revetria that he was willing to go and Revetria said he would introduce him to two of his men who had been doing the same type of work and if Subject wanted help them they would be free to give it.
68. Subject was then introduced to Sgt. Giovanni Antoniasi who spoke bad Italian, but perfect English with a cockney accent and to Pvt?. Franco Ricci who also spoke perfect English and Ricci had lived in Victoria, London and left England by the very last boat prior to Italy's entrance into the war (AOB: June 1940). Their homes in Italy were near Parma.
70. The information obtained consisted of all the movements of that particular unit. Subject and the others were usually briefed fully by SIM on specific questions. Revetria, in this case, was very much interested in SAS (Special Air Service) and the Long-Range Desert Group.)
KV 2/76-2, page 25p
Crown Copyright
71. The group then went to the next room where Revetria was waiting and verbally reported their findings to a secretary.
72. The next day, Revetria took Subject to Luigi Savoia, a small village where Subject was given a small house to live in. He stayed here with Ricci while Revetria returned to his Hqs. at Ainga-zala, telling Subject he would let him know when he wanted him.
73. A few days later, an officer if the carabinieri, Lt. Catania, officer in charge of a section of carabinieri under Revetria for the latter's office, came for Subject in a car and took him back to Ainga-zala because Revetria wanted to speak to Subject. Revetria asked Subject if he would be willing to cross the lines at Alamein to find out about any new military movements to the front.
74. Subject still had his British army pay book and he crossed the front line in British Uniform at the end of August 1942, reporting to a small transient camp, saying he was an escaped PW. He stayed here for four days, then returned to Revetria and reported his findings.
75. He went back to Luigi Savoia for about two weeks and then moved to Cirene alone. Ricci had, during this time, moved to Mersa- Mattru (Mersa-Matru) where he was engaged in intercepting walkie-talkie messages. Subject stayed at Cyrene, doing nothing, until the end of November 1942, when ricci returned and told him that he Ricci) had just returned from Mersa-Matru and that the El-Alamein line had been broken by the 8th (British) Army which was on its way up.
76. The same night, a car came for Subject and took him to Derna. Here, Revetria was waiting for him. He asked Subject if Subject would go to Bardia and find out if he could. what the lines of communications were for the troops coming up. This was to be done as quickly as possible. Revetria, however, could not tell Subject definitely where he would be when Subject returned.
KV 2/76-2, page 26q
Crown Copyright
77. Subject went to Bardia, and waited for the |British 8 th Army to pass him. After about two days, he crossed once more to the German-Italian sector with a 30cwt (tons?) Morris Commercial van from a unit of the Royal Signal Corps and went to Misurata where he found Revetria. Subject gave his report to Revetria and was sent immediately on to Homs where Subject remained for a week until the complete office of Revetria made its Hq. here. The entire group stayed here until after the new years.
78. At this time, Subject was sent down to Agidabia (near Benghasi) to get information from an "educated" Arab (name unknown) who was in the X-Ray department of the Colonial Hospital (This man was in that department under a German doctor during the German occupation of that city). He gave Subject some papers written in Arabic (This man spoke Italian and German, but no English), for Revetria.
79. On Subjects's returned the papers over to Revetria, (his return took him five days because of the lack of transport in getting past the front) who had them translated by an Italian Lt. who was an Arab Prince (NU).
80. Subject went (before Christmas 1942) as Captain John Richards, to Tric-Taruna, which is 14 kms from Tripoli on the Homs-Tripoli road here a Major Chapman, formerly an officer in a Scotch regiment, now with the of the 122nd Military mission. had been taken prisoner in Misurata area, along with an aide and a wireless set. He told Subject that his job was to send daily reports on troop movements and road movements of the Italians. He was captured about 2 kms from the main road where he could observe these movements) where he had set up his station.
81. Subject was with Chapman for approximately four days in the uniform of a British officer of the LRDG. After returning to Homs and submitting his report to Revetria, Subject was sent first to Taruna, where they had captured quite a number of SAS (S.A.S.) men, including two of three officers. Since the prisoners were held in separate sells, Subject went from cell to call,
KV 2/76-2, page 27r
Crown Copyright
cell, spending a couple of hours with each group.
82. In one of these cells, he became fact to face with a Pvt., who was in the cell alone, whom Subject had known in the 14th Com RASC, Palestine, and who had since transferred to the SAS prior to his capture, named Ellio Bowman, who was supervised to see Subject, wearing the insignia of a Captain. Subject explained that because of his language ability, he had been commissioned to FSS and promoted to his present rank.
83. Subject completed this job in one day they had captured, along with the personnel, papers giving information on the entire organisation of troops of the SAS which, at that time, were working behind the Italian lines.
84. Before Subject left the Taruna camp, the commandant of the camp received a telegram from Revetria ordering Subject to Tripoli when he was finished, and to report to Captain Bassi, who was the officer in charge there of the Tripoli area of the Ufficio Informatione Militare.
85. When Subject arrived in Tripoli, he reported to Bassi who told him that they had an Austrian Air Force officer who had been captured after strafing the traffic on the roads. Subject was sent to get information concerning air force movements from this officer who was a Flight L... (NU).
86. Subject then returned to Captain Bassi who sent him back to Homs with his report and the next day, the entire Hq of Revetria left Homs for Villaggio Bianchi, which is on the other side of Tripoli, as the British forces were advancing. Subject stayed here for three days when Revetria told him that he wished to send Subject there by a secure route (air routes not being secure at the time) he sent him by hospital ship which left Tripoli on the night of 19 January 1943, two days before the British took Tripoli.
KV 2/76-2, page 28s
Crown Copyright
L. Activities in Italy with the SIM:
87. Subject arrived at Napels four days later, where a SIM officer (NU) was waiting for him. This officer sent one of his WOs with Subject to Rome by train the same day and Subject was met at at station by Captain Morocco or Morrocco who spoke perfect English and who was in charge of getting all information from important P.o.W.s.
88. Subject had ben sent here to get information from a Sgt. Navigator, William Jagger of the New Zealand RAF and Subject (Schürch) stayed in Rome in the "special camp with Jagger to find out about special navigation charts, radio beams (and other technical things about which Subject does not remember) which were being used on American planes wit British crews. Subject spent an entire month with Jagger, at the end of which time Morocco was satisfied with the information that Subject had obtained.
89. Arrangements were then made for Subject to leave Rome the next day and return to No. Africa (some time in March 1943) (AOB: the Germans surrendered on 13 May 1943 at Tunis) when Morocco came and told him that he was to remain a few days longer as a very important person had been captured and was being brought immediately to the P.o.W. camp for interrogation: the famous Col. Stirling, C.O. (Commanding Officer) of the SAS (S.A.S.). Subject was pleased to hear that at last, he was going to meet the C.O. of the men and officers with whom Subject had spent all his time obtaining information.
90. Subject was instructed to obtain all possible information about Stirling and his organisation, but he explained to Morocco that they were already in possession of his information and everything there was to know about Stirling and his organisation.
91. Stirling was being held at the a/m "special" PoW camp which was in the Caserna Castro Pretorio which was very well equipped and comfortable. Stirling told Subject that he had met Revetria in Africa before he came to Italy and they had had an interview. Revetria had told Stirling everything that he knew about Stirling and his command. Stirling replied, "You know as much as I do about my own organisation."
KV 2/76-2, page 30t
Crown Copyright
92. Subject stayed with Stirling for two weeks because Morocco wanted to know the name of the officer who would be taking Stirling's place, which information Subject finally managed to find out. Stirling was later sent to No. 5 P.o.W. camp (location unknown to Subject).
93. On Easter Sunday 1943, Subject was taken to the "special P.o.W. camp where the captured crew of HMS Submarine Sahib had been taken. Morocco and one Colonel of the German Navy (NU) (= likely: name unknown) briefed Subject and told him what they wanted him to find out from his crew -- which covered every possible angle.
94. This operation took Subject a month. The name of the C.O. (Commanding Officer) of the Sahib was Lt. Bromlage of the Royal Navy. Later, an officer of HMS Submarine Splendid was also sent here: a Lt. Hardy of the Royal Navy Voluntary Reserves, as well as the CPO of the Sahib was called Flack.
95. Lt. Hardy unknowingly helped Subject a great deal in his work as the officers (including Subject who was masquerading as Captain John Richards) were together all day, every day. Hardy would start arguments as to whose submarine was the best: his or Bromage's. These arguments brought forth information that Subject required; information regarding supply ships for the Mediterranean area (HMS Maidstone is one recalled by Subject). They also discussed officers of other submarines in which the German and Italian Naval Commands were very much interested. Subject was able to give the complete list of S-Squadron Submarines operating in the Mediterranean area under command of Ben Bryant as the result of his work.
96. After these people were transferred to another P.o.W. camp (camp unknown to Subject), Subject had a rest for about two weeks, when he was once more summoned to the P.o.W. camp where they had caught three officers of the Special Boat Service off the coast of Sicily.
97. One of these was Lt. Hart of the RNVR (R.N.V.R.), also a professional football player of 3rd Lanark, Glasgow, Scotland.
98. Subjects job was to find out how they had come; →
KV 2/76-2, page 30u
Crown Copyright
why they had come and how they had intended to return. from these officers, Subject received absolutely no information. They were then taken to ordinary P.o.W. camps and Subject was sent to talk with a Sgt. who had been working with SBS (S.B.S.) (?) and who had at one time, belonged to the Metropolitan Police in London (NU = name unknown). From him, Subject managed to acquire sufficient information to satisfy Morocco. This information regarded the organisation of the SBS and their strength and where units were concentrated.
99. After this, Subject was once again free for two or three weeks. Morocco, about the end of July 1943, informed him that he had just completed a special P.o.W. villa in Rome (the Starage villa, then a government building, including bathrooms, cellar and stairways. Morocco wanted to use this place of the Caserma Castro Pretorio which he had been using until now. Subject went to the villa to inspect it with Morocco. He met two people went to the villa to inspect it with Morocco. He met two people who were going to work the microphone system: Pvt. (Private?) Ricci and Strenati (whom Subject had met in Africa as a member of Revetria's staff). Strenati spoke perfect English with a Welsh accent. These two men were responsible for listening to the microphones and recording everything that was heard.
100. Subject returned to this villa two days later and found that they had 25 American Air Force officers, including one Colonel and two American paratroopers who had been captured in Sicily. (The Colonel's name was Greenwood or Green -- something, who had been in the first air raid on Tokyo.)
101. Under the present system, Subject's instructions were to keep people talking about military subjects while the played cards, etc.
102. About 2 September 1943, Subject left this villa and was sent to Perugia (Umbria) to find out particulars of a Collins family (purportedly British) who owned a small hotel in Perugia, as SIM had received information that these people for British interest. Subject was to determine if this were true and if he could actually obtain evidence against them.
KV 2/76-2, page 31v
Crown Copyright
103. For this particular job, Subject wore civilian clothes, but he took with him his British soldier's paybook which he intended to use to back up his cover story that he was a British P.o.W. who was escaped from a P.o.W. camp and was trying to get to southern Italy to await Allied troops who were to land on the main coast. Unfortunately (according o Subject) the Armistice was signed and there was much confusion in Perugia. (AOB: Hitler foresaw the expected changing over to the Allied side about June/September 1943; accordingly he gave Weisung Nr. 49 containing a wide range of military and organisational measures to counter the situation of Italy's pulling out of the war. (de) https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weisungen_für_die_Kriegführung (en) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Adolf_Hitler%27s_directives) (The Germans responded unexpectedly efficient and may most of the Italian Military Services prisoners of war and occupied the part of Italy not yet occupied by the Allied troops. Since the Allies had to fight an enormous uphill war with the well trained German forces. Think of the seven month lasting Monte Cassiono battles! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Monte_Cassino.
104. On 10 September, when the Germans took command of Perugia, with the Fascists who had returned, Subject was placed in prison there, where he says his name still appears on the records. He remained in jail for three days and was then taken to Spoleto where a German P.o.W. camp had been established. The Germans were herding all P.o.W.s who had escaped from camps at the time of the Armistice in this camp.
105. Subject immediately asked to see the commandant of the camp and explained his position. The commandant told Subject he believed him, but would have to obtain confirmation from Obst. (Colonel) Helferich (Helfferich) (= German Abwehr Leiter in Italy) before he allowed Subject to leave. While awaiting this confirmation, commandant of the camp had received instructions from from Germany to send all British P.o.Ws. to Germany immediately (this included Subject).
106. Subject argued again with the commandant, stating that he knew no one in Germany, but the commandant told him he could do nothing except send his documents along with a letter explaining Subject's story.
107. Subject was placed on a cattle train with other P.o.Ws. at Spoleto station and left for Germany. In the car with Subject were 32 other British P.o.Ws. After the train had been in motion for about 20 minutes, a Cpl. of the Scots Guards and a Pvt. (private) of the New Zealand Army, made a hole in the side of the sliding door, put their hands through, lifted the bolt and and opened the door. The train (an electric one, was going at least 60 kms an hour and one by one the P.o.Ws. jumped out, Subject with them. Five of the P.o.Ws., including Subject, stayed together that night walking as fast as they could away from the RR (railroad) tracks.
108. The next morning they changed from their British → uniforms (Subject had received his from the PoW camp) into civilian clothes which they had obtained along the road from Italians.
(7) (since 27 September 2024)
KV 2/76-2, page 32w
Crown Copyright
uniforms (Subject had received his from the P.o.W. camp) into civilian clothes which they had obtained along the road from Italians.
109. The five decided to stay together, but Subject realized that he must return to Rome and explain his position. He did not want to take any of the fellows with him because they might again be picked up as PWs on Subject account. In order to accomplish this, Subject started arguments with them, made a nuisance of himself and finally told them he did not like their company and would continue alone. He left them and made for the main Terni-Rome road, where he unsuccessfully tried to stop military transport.
110. At 1830, after standing on this road all day, Subject managed to stop a large Italian truck with an Italian driver and a German guard, carrying food stuffs. Subject asked the German where going and was told Rome. Subject asked if they would take him, but the German told him that he was not allowed to carry civilians. Subject asked then asked the Italian to induce the German to take him. The Italian, on hearing Subject speak Italian, knew he was not Italian and told the German who spoke little of the language, that he could not understand why the German would not take another German (meaning Subject) to Rome. The German replied that Subject was not German, but Italian. Subject ended the controversy by telling the German he was British. The German opened the door at once and told him to get in. He asked Subject who he was and Subject told him that he was an officer of the RAF (R.A.F.) who had been shot down while bombing Milan. (Subject realized that this telling this to the German, the latter would take him to his commanding officer when they arrived at his unit in Rome.)
111. Arriving in Rome, the German took Subject immediately to the German Police stationed at the Caserma Castro Pretorio, Subject asked to see an officer of the German Intelligence Division. Sine it was very late, he was told that he would be taken in the morning.
KV 2/76-2, page 33x
Crown Copyright
M. First Contact with the GIS (German Intelligence Service):
112. At about 0900 the next morning (about 2 November 1943), Subject was taken to the Albergo Flora, Rome, to an officer of the Abwehr who, when Subject walked in, explained: "Teddy, what are you doing here?" This was Captain (Hptm.) Hans Meyer (who speaks perfect English) whom Subject had met in Africa as Meyer used to visit Revetria often (AOB: up to Italy changed sides and went over to the Allied side, the Germans cooperated rather well with the Italian Military organisations). It was Meyer's unit who had captured Colonel Stirling. (M2184 M2184return)
113. Subject asked for a bath, food and medical aid for his ankle which he had sprained in jumping out of the train. He got his bath at once, his ankle taking care of and then Meyer took him to lunch at the Excelsior.
114. That afternoon, Subject went alone in a car to Helfferich's home at Via Accademia No. ? where he was introduced to Korvetten-Kapitän Dingeldey and Maresciallo (WO 1st class?) Hoffman, a German. Subject explained everything to Helfferich who showed him the letter which the commandant of the prison camp had written regarding Subject.
115. Subject's ankle was getting worse, so he was sent to 7/7/ German Air Force Hospital (Lazarett) (the Hospital Regina Elena at Monte Mario) where he stayed until January 1944 when the patients were moved to Florence (first to the hospital at Sesto and then to the Italian Aeronautical School) due to the Allied advances. Subject went along with them.
116. About 15 February 1944, Major Waldemar Schneeweiss came from Verona and picked Subject at the hospital (Lazarett) in a car, in accordance with instructions from Helfferich. Subject was taken to Verona to Schneeweiss's command, which was known as Stab Waldemar.
117. Schneeweiss took Subject the next day to another house in Verona at Via Monte Nero No. 2 where Schneeweiss told him he would stay for a rest and a good time.
118. Here, Subject was introduced to an "old friend" of →
KV 2/76-2, page 34y
Crown Copyright
Subject's whom he had met in Palestine in the household of General Wavell where she had worked as a domestic, and whose name Subject never knew until this meeting: Miss Eva Market, alias Erna. (Subject states that she was known by another name in Palestine, but he does not remember it.) She was from Merano (Meran), is an Austrian citizen. Eva Market is her proper name, although she has many cover names which Subject does not know.
119. Subject learned, after a few days, that this house was used as a rest centre for for agents between working periods Schneeweiss had given Market instructions to care for the people in the house since she was not doing anything at the time. However, she was not always here as she left for two or three week periods and then returned. Subject does not know what she did during her trips.
120. At the time subject was here, he met two Italian agents who were here for rest. One was a Captain in the Xth MAS (who had never been on active duty) called Hercule, which is a cover-name, according to Subject, who does not know his real name, whose home is in Udine, and whose father belongs to the Italian State Railways service. The other was Hercule's cousin, called Giorgio (also a cover-name, real name unknown). Subject believes that these two men are still in Verona. These two worked mostly in Yugoslavia and they have, according to Subject, completed a number of missions. Hercule definitely told Subject that he is a personal friend of Marshal Tito and that he knew the passwords necessary to get into Tito's Hq. From conversations with him, Subject gathered he is a double agent.
121. During Subject's stay he met two other Italian agents: a "Signor Aldo" and a Signor Silvio", the latter also being known as the "Barone" and the "Conte". He was a Sicilian; spent much money on clothes and made a lot of money on black market activities. These two worked in the Como-Swiss frontier area getting messages from agents in Switzerland who came to the frontier. They worked with Sonderführer (AOB: Sdf. often did not underwent regular military training, but their military rank was given by the "outstanding skill such person possessed) Wolff (whose C.O. (Commanding Officer) was Schneeweiss) who lived in Como until he was imprisoned for eight years because he had been collecting bribes to keep members of the Italian influential families out of prison (about August 1944). Subject does not know how true the story of his activities is, but he does Know Wolff (Wolf?) received an 8-year prison sentence.
KV 2/76-2, page 35z
Crown Copyright
122. Hercule, Giorgio, Aldo, and Silvio, when in Verona, or any other place, were always on the lookout for agents of the Allies. Subject knows that they picked up one or two of these agents; one in Turino (date unknown).
123. Also working for Schneeweiss were an Italian Capt. Pasquale, fnu (= first name unknown) (known as "La Barba") and his wife (or mistress?) in Verona lived at No. 5 Via dei Mille, Verona, right near Schneeweiss's quarters.
N. W/T Set at Via Monte Nero No.2:
124. In the house where Subject was staying for a rest, was a radio transmitting and receiving set with a German Cpl. (Gefreiter/Obergefreiter?) in charge, one Rudi Kirk, whose station was in touch with all other units, of the Abwehr in Italy and at special times each day, would contact these stations stations at different parts of the country. (AOB: in those days the main Abwehr W/T communication was located at Merano / Meran whose cover-name being Jakob)
125. Kirk used to encode and decode messages in the lounge in Subject's presence, but Subject was very friendly with Obgfr. Kirk), but the latter never discussed business with him. In this connection, Subject states that Kirk was "a good soldier". Each day, the code was changed and each month, every W/T operator was given a new set of codes for the month. No one ever allowed into the radio room, not even Market, and Subject states that he is sure that if any unauthorised person ever entered it, Schneeweiss would have had him shot. If Schneeweiss had a message to go out, Kirk would lock the radio room and go personally to Schneeweiss' Hq. to get the message.
126. At least once a month, Hptm. (Capt.) Hauptmeyer, C.O. in charge of all radio transmitting and receiving sets for the Abwehr in Italy, whose Hq. is at Merano at Mair Alta, used to make periodic visits to the W/T stations in Italy, including Verona, where Subject met him.
127. In April 1944, Subject left Monte Nero No. 2 and went to live at the home of Maj. Schneeweiss at No. 3 Via → Anzani,
KV 2/76-2, page 36aa
Crown Copyright
Anzani, Verona which was his office as well. Schneeweiss told Subject that he would be paid 18,000 lie a month, plus expenses, as well as occasional bonuses whenever Schneeweiss felt he deserved it.
128. However, Subject stayed here for one day only, when Schneeweiss sent him to live at another house about 100 metres from his. on Via Roevereto No. 8 and put him under a German, whose proper name is Fritz Reinhardt, alias Frederico (as he was always known to Italians and Germans alike) who, in time of peace was one of the chief chemists of the Curt Giorgi company at Sesto S. Giovanni (Milan). Suspect was instructed to work under this man and they lived together along with Italian household help, the Cristoferi family, (Angelo, Emilia, Gisella, Carla) of No. 93 Grauno val Dicembre, Prov. Trento.
O. Activities with the GIS (German Intelligence Service) in Italy:
129. Reinhardt told Subject that when he was in the town, to keep his ears open in an effort to find out if there was anyone working for Allied interests, since the Abwehr believed that the British had a very strong intelligence branch in Verona and had received information from Hq. to this effect.
130. A few days later, Schneeweiss gave Reinhardt definite instructions for Subject to go into the town with the photograph of a woman named Bianchinei, fnu (= first name unknown)
, who was definitely known to have been working for the British in Tunesia and was now believed to be in Verona. All members of \Schneeweiss's command had a photograph of this woman, as well as several in the SID (?) which, at that time, was under command of an Italian Captain Lang (not to be confused with the German Hptm. Lang (Longin??)
131. For three weeks, this detail was carried out, until one afternoon, about May 1944, the woman Bianchini, was caught at the Café Olivo, Piazza Brà, Verona by the Italian Capt. Lang, She was taken to Fort San Leonardo in Verona.
132. Prior to this woman's capture, about April 1944,
KV 2/76-2, page 37ab
Crown Copyright
after Subject had been living with Reinhardt for about two days, Schneeweiss gave him a car and asked Subject to go with Reinhardt to San Remo, to a Lt. Werner, head of the Abwehr for that part of Italy, who was responsible for the Italian and French Nice. Reinhardt had instructions to give the agents there who had come through from France (Subject and Reinhardt stayed at the Albergo Eurpoa in San Remo and had dinner that first night with Werner, They had arrived at about 1600 that afternoon and left the next day just after lunch. Subject states that Werner spoke perfect English wit an Oxford accent; that he was known as Charles Masson and Capt. Winthorn, the latter name appearing on a genuine British pass of the Transjordania frontier force, which pass Subject saw at a much later date as he explains in Para. 160 below.
133. After Subject and Reinhardt left San Remo, they went to Sesto S. Giovanni (Nilan (Milan?) and spent the night at a hotel (name unknown). The next morning, they returned to Verona and went to Via Rovereto No. 8.
P. Subject Meets GIS Personalities:
134. During the tie that Subject lived with Reinhardt he spent a lot of his time in Schneeweiss office and got to know the different people who came there to see Schneeweiss.
135. One of the first persons Subject met was Korvetten-Kapitän Dingeldey whom Subject had previously known in Rome at Helfferich's home and who was in charge of the Venice office.
136. Sonderführer (Sdf.) Kurt Caesar (real name). He is however, called Tacticus (AOB: for quite a long time I thought, we know now incorrectly, that Tacticus was the synonym for Generalfeldmarschall Kesselring's cover-name with by both Germans and Italians alike, although he was introduced to Subject as Caesar. Caesar speaks perfect Italian and English; his home is at Vanegone, Prov. of Varese. At one time he was a journalist in England and has a sister married, living at Barnet, England. He wrote in English and American publications under the name Jackaway. He is also a cartoonist. He was very good at deciphering codes of other governments, and the GIS used him extensively in decoding→captured documents.
KV 2/76-2, page 38ab
Crown Copyright
captured documents. For Schneeweiss, Caesar used to interrogate prisoners of the Abwehr. He once took Subject with him when he had caught a British officer whose name was Barda of the Palestine Buffs, who had been captured near Bologna about August 1944. Caesar was also confidential secretary to Schneeweiss. He slept in Schneeweiss's home/office in Verona.
137. Subject met Kapitän Baltar, head of the I-Marine, whose office was at Piazza Barracca, Milan. (AOB: Curious is, that apparently the Amt VI or Milamt designations did not were maintained in the Abwehr organisation in Italy) Baltazar's office in Milan and in other towns went under the name of "Marine Transport Bureau" (AOB: correctly: Marinetransportbüro).
138. Subject also met the head of of the Genoa I-Marine office Korvetten-Kapitän Klaps.
139. He met Rittmeister (AOB: a rank originating from the cavalry days, military equalling Hauptmann - Captain) Graf von Thun of Piazza Sicilia, No. 6 Milan, who was responsible for the Abwehr (AOB: counter-espionage = III-F) of Milan. Helping were Dr. Kuhn (Kühn?) (actually a Sonderführer (Sdf.)) and Dr. Buri, always in civilian clothes (also a Sdf)
(AOB: a (Sonderführer) or Sdf. was someone without regular military training and experience, but he was selected because of his particular outstanding skills. Often an additional designation was likely, for example, Sdf. (Z) which latter stood for: Zugführer = Lieut.) Why? because Sdf. were placed inside the military hierarchy. And an civilian was hardly taken for grantage, when he discussed with someone within the established military hierarchy.
140. Graf von Thun speaks perfect English, Czech, German, French and Italian perfectly, and spent many years in London. Kuhn and Buri were considered Graf von Thun's right hand man.
141. Subject also met Obstlt. (Lt.Col.) Steinberg, who always wore shorts, even in the coldest weather. He was responsible to Helfferich for the southern area of Italy not then occupied by the Allies (i.e. from the front lines to Florence).
142. There was, too, a Signor Schmidt who might be either Italian or German, although Subject did not know which. Subject noted, at one time, the following inscription on his luggage: "Hauptmann Kriminal Schmidt". (AOB: whether this citation being accurate and exact; I highly doubt?) His home was at Via Dante No. 2, Common which is the only big white house on the street with the name "Valli" inscribed outside. This villa had been requisitioned by the Germans. Schmidt was the person who controlled Swiss agents from Switzerland coming from Switzerland into Italy. (Subject remembers an agent (NU) (name unknown) - who had come from Switzerland and Subject saw his car, a Packard, bearing Swiss licence plates → and flying the Swiss flag.
KV 2/76-2, page 39ad
Crown Copyright
and flying the Swiss flag. Schmidt had brought this agent from Como to Verona). Schmidt was more friendly with Helfferich than with Schneeweiss.
143. In about April 1944, Helfferich, who had left Rome, came to Verona with his command (Stab?) and took over Villa Erikam which is on the road to Avesa. He brought the same personnel with him that he had had at Rome.
144. With Helfferich was a Sonderführer (Sdf.) Hildebrandt who was later sent to the hospital town of Merano (Meran) (west of Bozen or Bolzano) as he suffered from arthritis. However, he still carried on his work as confidential secretary to Helfferich. Later, he came under Engelmann.
145. During Subject's stay in Verona, Schneeweiss asked him to go with him in a car to Venicem Milan, Merano, Como, Gardone, Genoa and Genobio (near Como - SD Hq.) (AOB, Milamt of Amt VI being more accurately?) Schneeweiss wanted Subject along as driver as he would be going to places he did not want any Italian driver to know about. (AOB: car driver was the genuine profession of Mr. Schurch (Schürch))
146. While on trips like these, Subject met many of the above-mentioned personalities at their different headquarters, explaining how Subject learned what they were doing and where they lived.
Q. Abwehr is Absorbed by the
SD:147. (AOB: correctly: Amt VI or Amt Mil / Milamt) , of which General Hassler was head of Italy. At this time, Subjects salary was raised to 20,000 lire a month, plus expenses and bonuses.
148. Schneeweiss' department now came under
Abt. Amt IV; III-F (counter-espionage) (AOB: became under Amt VI-Z, Berlin), which was one of the Divisions known to Subject. (Since, later, Subject was transferred to Amt VI-?), he became to learn of it. He knows of no departments other than Amt VI and?? Abt. VI). Schneeweiss then came under the command of Major Kranebitter (Kraneritter?), who who was head of Amt VI, SD (R.S.H.A.) or Amt IV in Verona.KV 2/76-2, page 40ae
Crown Copyright
149. Helfferich, at this time, also came under
SD(AOB: R.S.H.A. Amt VI) and although he did work under Abt. VI, most of it came under heading of Amt VI. Caesar left, and went to Amt VI-?.150. Signor Schmidt left Como and went to northern Italy, past Merano, to a town near the Swiss Frontier (name unknown) to Amt VI, as head of this area, responsible to Helfferich. Later, he reported to Engelmann who was at Merano (Meran).
151. Others who at one time were under Schneeweiss, but left him, were Captain Pasquale and his wife who left work under another German officer of the
SD(R.S.H.A.), a Major, NU (name unknown), who had a wooden left leg, and always wore civilian clothes.152. At the beginning of November 1944, Schneeweiss found out about British and American advances in the south and immediately proceeded to establish a Hq. for himself to where he could go to when time came, at Merano. He finally obtained Castello Primavera at Mair Alta (Merano).
153. It was at this time that Subject moved to Schneeweiss quarters at Via Anzani. No. 3, from this address at Via Rovereto, and with him, went the entire household staff, the Cristofferi family.
154. During this time, Rittmeister (Hptm) Lang came to the office of Schneeweiss as 2nd Ic. He is a German (actually Austrian) officer who speaks perfect English, Arabic, French and Italian. Before the war, he owned a large hotel at Luxor, Egypt. He was working for the GIS (German Intelligence Service) in Italy even before her entry into the war, at Bari. He had many friends in the RAF Ferrying Service, especially among Sunderland Flying Boat crews. His actual home where his mother is still living, and where he goes when on leave, is at the Post Hotel in Bolzano (Bozen).
R. Schneeweiss Arrested:
155. During the time that Schneeweiss was travelling between Merano and Verona (AOB: in those day the high-way did not exist) (after he had taken the a/m castle at the former place), he spent most of his time at Merano and did not attend to his work, which action brought the full responsibility of his job on Lang,
KV 2/76-2, page 41af
Crown Copyright
responsibility of his job on Lang, and it was due to this (as well as other reasons) that Schneeweiss was relieved of his command and Lang placed in charge. This occurred some time in early December 1944.
156. The
SDAmt VI immediately sent two officers to the Castello Primavera in Merano, searched Schneeweiss's personal belongings as well as the things that Schneeweiss had looted from various places where he had stayed at one time or another and which he had taken to his castle (among the many things, was the silverware from the Villa dÉste) (likely located at lake Como).157. Schneeweiss was arrested and taken to the
SDAmt VI Hq. (AOB: in criminal aspect - the GFP (geheime Feldpolizei) or Amt IV would have come in charge) at Verona where he was tried and Subject has since heard that he was given a sentence of 5 years imprisonment. Schneeweiss was said to have spent much of the German Government's money for his own pleasures, gifts for his lady friends, expensive vintages, etc.158. Lang, in Subjects opinion, really knew his job well. He was the type of person who could find out anything he wanted to know. He trusted no one and expected no onem to trust him. On one occasion, about the middle of December 1944, Hercule and Giorgio, who were now under Lang, received a report that contact had been made with an Italian who had a friend outside Verona who was in contact with the Allied forces by radio.
S. Mission for Lang:
159. Lang, Subject and Hercule went to Hercule's flat at the Corso Grande (directly opposite the
SDAmt VI Hq. in Verona), 3rd floor above a restaurant, where Lang proposed the following plan:160. Lang was to pose as a British officer in Italy, getting in touch with different agents of the Anglo-American Intelligence Service,; Subject was to be his courier. Lang had with him for identification, a British officer's document bearing the name Captain Winthorn. (This document belonged at one time to Werner who used the name as an alias. However, about → June 1944
KV 2/76-3, page 1ag
Crown Copyright
June 1944, after the fall of Rome (August 1944) to the Allies, Werner was arrested by the German Secret Police for squandering government money. It seems that, having the proper passes needed to cross the French frontier, he spent much of his time in Monte Carlo where he obviously lost large sums of money, more than he could afford on the salary paid him by the Germans. Therefore, he used Government funds, and was found out. All his papers were seized, which explains Lang's having the document bearing the name Captain Winthorn.
161. Lang, Subject Hercule would all wear civilian clothes for this operation. For identification purposes, Subject had his Swiss passport which he had obtained in October 1944 from the Swiss General Consulate at Como by going to the office and explaining that he was a British prisoner of war taken in Africa in June 1942, at Tobruk; that he had been in Italian prison camps until the Armistice (early September 1943), after which he had volunteered as chauffeur for a German officer (Scheeweiss), explaining that he was a British P.o.W., but actually Swiss. This german officer found that he could trust Subject that if he could get a Swiss passport, to go right ahead and do so, and should the Swiss Consulate require a confirmation of Subjects story regarding his status as British P.o.W. that German officer said that he would confirm it.
162. Upon Subject's telling this cover story to the Swiss Consulate, they asked for his particulars and photographs and they wrote to Bern (Berne). Twelve days later, Subject received a letter at Verona telling him he had been checked in Switzerland and they had termined that everything he had told them regarding his Swiss citizenship was true. (AOB: once his mother did send a photo to the Swiss authorities) He was asked (invited) to go to the Como to get his passport, which Subject did.
163. Hercule was to take the part of an Italian agent working for the Allies in Verona who had come to meet "Captain Winthorn" with a message from an Italian Major in Padova. (This latter story about the Italian Major, NU (name unknown), in Padova is true, but Subject claims the Germans were never able to capture him) who was working for British interests.
KV 2/76-3, page 2ah
Crown Copyright
165. When they arrived at the place where the person believed to be a British agent was staying, the latter appeared perfectly satisfied with the documents produced by Lang as Captain Winthorn, Subject, and Hercule. This person (NU) (name unknown) was working in the Ufficio Communicazione Ferrovie (= railways) dello Stato and he told Lang the he would get in touch with his friend who was the radio transmitter set a few miles outside of Verona on the Verona-Rovereto road (AOB, heading more or less north of Verona in the direction of Bolzano / Bozen) on the southern side of the river Adige. Lang had actually gotten sufficient information to arrest this person immediately, but did not do so because he wanted the W/T operator and his set as well. Therefore, he set a trap and made the following arrangements with Hercule:
166. Hercule was to tell this person that he had a car and would go to meet the W/T man. It was arranged that two days later, they would go for the wireless operator and bring him to Capt. "Winthorn". Hercule was told what route to use in returning with the W/T operator, and Hercule went on.
167. In the meantime, Lang arranged with two Sgts of the SS to get together the necessary equipment to portray a control point or road block on the route that was to be used by Hercule on returning. This was done, and Hercule appeared with the radio operator and the latter's wife.
168. The two SS men stopped the car, asked for their documents and informed the occupants of the car that their papers were not in order. They were taken to the
SDHq. (AOB: most likely GFP or the SS Hq.) where Lang was waiting for them. The final outcome of this operation was the trapping of three German Sgts, employed at the Ufficio Communicazionne Ferrovie (...Ferrovia?) dello Stato, who were working with the unknown person alleged to be an Allied spy, and who had also been working for the Allies.169. Later, when the operation had been completed, Lang told Subject that Hassler had personally complimented him on this piece of work.
T. Agents Operating in Switzerland for the GIS (German Intelligence Service):
170. On 19 December, Subject left Verona for Milan (Mailand) (Milano) and Como with Lang, picked up Graf von Thun in Milan. The three → went on to Como and Cenobio
KV 2/76-3, page 3ai
Crown Copyright
went on to Como and Cenobio where they had a talk with Hauptsturmführer Clemens of the
SDAmt VI command there. From here, they went to a small village (name unknown) nort of Cenobio in the mountains right on the Swiss frontier where they picked up an Italian called Luigi Minetti, GIS (German Intelligence Service). Minetti belonged to the Alpini (rank unknown), and had several connections in Switzerland.171. Minetti was taken bak to Milan with Subject, Lang and Graf von Thun. Subject was driving Garf's car and they went to the Albergo Regina, the
SDAmt VI Hq. in Milan, where Minetti gave his report (Subject claims he had no knowledge of Minetti's activities in Switzerland.)172. After Minetti gave his report, Lang, Subject and Graf left the Albergo Regina and went to Corso Venezia, Milan where Graf had a private apartment. There, Subject was introduced to an English woman by the name of Smart, fnu (= first name unknown) referred to as Fräulein Schwartz, who holds a British passport, renewed in 1944 by permission of the British Consulate in Switzerland, via the Swiss Consulate at Como where she was gone to have this done. Prior to that, she had had it renewed by the American Consulate in charge of the British interests on the French Riviera. She was now working in the office under Graf in Milan, as a agent who travelled frequently to Switzerland. She is single about 45 years old. She was born in Ventimiglia, Italy and she told Subject that she was a member of the British Fascist Group (Mosley's BUF; Sir Oswald Mosley, KV 2/884 ... KV 2/896; PF 48909) in England. She was a great friend of an had spent a lot of time with John
Emery(John Amery - KV 2/78 .. KV 2/84; PF 45416) who is connected with with German and Italian Propaganda Department. Her nurse, who lives at Sondrio, had a son who lives in a town just over the Swiss frontier (exact location unknown) where Smart used to go (so she told Subject) to get the necessary information that the nurse's son had to turn over to her which she, handed to Amt IV (VI?). (AOB: Amt IV means: criminal police Sicherheitsdienst and Sipo but outside Germany) (Graf).173. Smart, Dr. Buri and Dr. Kuhn (Kühn?) lived in the houses on Via Privata Cladiana, 4,5 and 7m Milan. Drs Buri and Kuhn (Kühn?), had moved from Plazza Sicilia because of attacks made by partisans on isolated German Hqs. in Milan.
KV 2/76-3, page 4aj
Crown Copyright
174. Lang and Subject then returned to Verona about 23 December 1944 where they stayed preparing for Christmas. On Christmas Eve (Heiligabend 24th December 1944?), at 2300 Hassler, Maj. Kranebitter and Helfferich came to Subject's house at Via Anzani No. 3, Verona, to see the Christmas day in with Subject and Lang.
175. Hassler brought presents which he gave to them, to the Italian personnel of the household and to each member of the
SDAmt VI Command, German and Italian. The domestic help received the same presents, which consisted of two length of woollen cloth for a suit and a coat (navy blue colour); one litre of cognac; 100 cigarettes, a leather wallet initiated by Hassler himself as as fruits and nuts.176. Hassler made a speech to the household staff thanking them for their services to the
SDAmt VI and wishing them and theirs a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New year. He said he hoped that the would continue to serve the German command in the year to come. Hassler did not speak Italian, so Lang acted as interpreter.177. On 27 December, Caesar (Tacticus), who had left Amt IV (Police operating abroad) to go to Amt VI, came to visit and took Subject, for the first time, to see his chief, Major Hugo (?) who was in charge of Amt VI in Verona. Subject also met Hauptsturnführer Schonplug who was the officer directly responsible to Major Hugo for agents working in Amt VI.
U. First contact with Amt VI:
Subject, Caesar (Tacticus) and Schonplug then went to the SS mess and had lunch (this mess has since been bombed, killing 38 Italian kitchen personnel). Schonplug asked Subject if he would be interested in doing a job for him and Subject agreed. The job was to go beyond the lines to Rome to obtain military information regarding the morale of the British troops troops particularly the 8th Army, because they had received reports to the effect that many members of the 8th Army were deserting at the front and going Awol (= Absent without leave = illegal absence) to Rome; (and) what the morale of the Italians in Rome was.
(8) (since 1 October 2024)
KV 2/76-3, page 5ak
Crown Copyright
V. First Mission to AOT for
SD(R.S.H.A.) Amt VI:179. On the night of 5 January 1945, Subject left Verona
SD(Amt VI or R.S.H.A.) Hq. by car with Dr. Bandorff (Bandorf) (Pandorf) who was Untersturmführer (Lieutnant) and arrived at the airport at Villa Franca where he was taken to the mess of a very small unit of the Luftwaffe. Subject saw no planes here with the exception of the one he was to leave in. This occurred at approx. 220 hours. At o100 the next morning (6 January) he and the pilot, left in a small plane (make unknown) from which Subject was dropped by parachute. Subject landed at about 0200 in the vicinity of Grosseto where he buried his parachute in a field. Subject does not remember the place. He waited until daybreak and made for the Grosseto -Florence-Rome road on foot.)
GoogleEarth
Grosseto he was parachuted, whereas he took off the airfield called 'Villa Franca' which is the airport boarding to Verona
It is understandable, that he was dropped by parachute as bridging the distance Verona to Grosseto was passing through resistance controlled territories.
180. Subject had been given Allied currency in the amount of 5,000 lire in old Italian banknotes.
181. He arrived at Aquaendente where he thought, while walking through the town, that he had been recognized by an Italian girl, NU (name unknown), (who used to live in the U.S.) whom he had met when the town had been under German occupation. Subject immediately made for the country once more going north, away from Rome, having decided to abandon his mission as had come to the conclusion that under these conditions, it was dangerous for him to continue on to Rome.
182. Subject went on north, living on vitamins which he had brought with him, not daring to stop at houses along the way for food, for fear of arousing suspicion since he looked either German or English and does not speak fluent Italian.
183. Subject arrived in Florence on 8 January, passing through the town a about 2230 hours and noting the the curfew was for 2300.
W. Recrossess into EOT (Pro-Allied - or Fascist controlled territories?)
184. He then made his way to the coast Florence-Lucca-Pisa, along the coastline to Viareggio on foot, as he thought→ that it would be the best place to cross
KV 2/76-3, page 6aL
Crown Copyright
that it would be the best place to cross the lines. He did this on the morning of 10 January, arriving on the German side of the lines. A German artillery officer picked him up and interrogated Subject. Subject explained who he was, requesting that he be take to a commandant of the SD. (AOB: continually maintaining SD is an incorrect assessment, but what is correct? Sipo, SS command or GFP?) He was taken to Bologna the same day at 1500.
185. At Bologna, he was taken to an officer of the SS command who apparently got in touch with Verona (after Subject had waited until 1830). Subject used the password Mattina which had been assigned to him.
186. Subject was taken by car to Verona by Feldwebel (Maresciallo) "Hans"? who drove him to the
SDAmt VI Hq. there, where he was taken to Schonplug's office (Room 307) (AOB: Room 7 at floor 3?) who was waiting for him.187. Subject told him what had happened and Schonplug told Subject that he was placed to see him back even through he had not accomplished the mission and asked Subject if he remembered seeing anything enroute that would prove of military interest. Subject related what he had seen: such military activity and may military vehicles coming up the from from based down south.
X. Mission to Belluno:
188. Subject then went to his home at Via Anzani No.3 and rested, doing nothing until the beginning of February 1945.
189. About this time, he went to Belluno on a mission, leaving in a car driven by an Italian (NU) who had been assigned to him from the
SD(Amt VI?) garage.
GoogleEarth
Belluno is situated in the Province Udine, north-east of Verona in the direction of the Austrian border
190. Lang and Kranebitter (Abt. IV) (AOB: I do not understand, as Amt IV is responsible for Ausland Polizei related matters, such as Sipo and that like; didn't he meant Amt VI?) had given Subject the assignment in Belluno because they had received information that there was a wireless set being used by the partisans in that area under control of British agents. This station was supposedly in touch with Bari. Subject arrived in Belluno at 1530 and left again at 1930 the same evening because, although the town was under small German command, the partisans actually→ controlled it
KV 2/76-3, page 7am
Crown Copyright
controlled it and when Subject had stopped in a Café for a drink, he was told bluntly by a man at the bar (who took Subject for a German) that the town was not a safe place for him. Subject's driver, was similarly threatened by Italian civilians for working for a German command.
191. Subject returned to Via Anzani No. 3 where he stayed for the rest of the month of February, with the exception of a few trips he made to Milan and Como with Lang, as well as one to Bolzano (Bozen) to visit Lang's mother with him. These trips were merely pleasure trips.
Y. Second Mission to AOT for
SD(= Amt VI):192. In March, Subject did nothing but pass the time away but he stayed in Verona until 29 March when he was sent for by Schonplug (Schönpflug??). Subject went to the latter's office in the
SDAmt VI Hq at Verona, where he met Dr. Bandorf (Pandorf) and a Major Meyer (SD?. . who controls agents for the Venice area, whom Subject's being summoned).193. When Subject arrived, they all went to Hassler's office which was in the same building, and there, Subject's mission to Rome and the Vatican was explained to him by Schonplug.
194. The mission was of a political nature and Subject was told that he was to learn the Archbishop Spelman's activities in Rome; to learn if any pacts were being made between the Vatican and Russia; relationship existing between the Vatican and Allied commands in Rome; what England was doing about the enmity between De Gaulle and Franco, heads of the two Catholic countries, and how the Vatican may have intervened; the Vatican's position in this case.
195. As a side line, Subject was to note anything of military interest; the cost of living in Rome; morale of the Italians in Rome and in the Vatican; to determine whether or not →
KV 2/76-3, page 8an
Crown Copyright
there existed a partly called "Partito Cristiano Demoncratico" in the Vatican which was working against Russia; if so, its strength, its leader, etc. Subject was to bring back copies of Rome Newspapers and particularly, American weekly magazines. Subject was to find out what political parties were in Rome, who their heads were, their strength, etc.
196. After the mission had been explained, Schonplug asked Subject to tell him and there, how he proposed to accomplish this mission. Subject told him that as far as he (Subject) was concerned, getting him behind the lines was Schonplug's problem. Subject wanted to be left right at the front lines. He told them that he would be a lot happier to go in British uniform, but this they refused to permit.
Z. Cover Story:
"Subject said that he would tell the first Allied officer he met that he was a Swiss citizen (he had his passport to prove this) who had been living in the vicinity of the nearest town on the German side of the lines. The Germans started to take civilian men and cars to be sent to Germany. Subject escaped to the hills where he obtained help from the partisans in crossing the lines. He now wished to go to Rome to the Swiss Consulate and ask permission to be sent to Switzerland by what ever means available".
198. Until Subject had explained this, they had not told him how he would cross the lines. However, after Subject had presented his proposed cover story, he was told that he would be sent to Monterfano the next day (30 March) to the Hq. of Commandante Rossi, who is a Captain of the Xth Mas, Battalion Verga, and head of the school there where Italian members of the
SD(Amt VI) "Commando Sopresso" were taught sabotage tactics.KV 2/76-3, page 9ao
Crown Copyright
AA. Travel to Montorfano and Genoa (Genua on the map) (because my Laptop is operating in Dutch language):
199. The next morning, Subject was driven to Monorfano in an SD (= Amt VI car?) accompanied by Dr. Bandorf (Pandorf).
200. upon arriving at Rossi's Hq., Bandorf (Pandorf) went alone to speak Rossi and was gone for one half hour, while Subject waited in the car. Upon returning, he opened his brief case and gave Subject 25 English sovereigns ??; 50 Swiss 20-franc gold pieces and 4,000 lire of Allied military currency, to be used while on the mission. Subject had 30,000 lire of his own besides. Bandorf (Pandorf) told him that if he needed anything, he was to go to see a friend of Lang's, a Dr. "L", who is from Merano, now living at 102 Via Accademia, Rome. Subject was told that he could find this doctor easily because his name was the only one which began with an "L" in the entire apartment house.
(M2186 ↓↓ M2186return)
GoogleEarth
Montorfano is quite near to the Swiss territory
201. Bandorf (Pandorf) then turned Subject over to Rossi, and left. Rossi's instructions from the SD? (Amt VI?) Subject were to get him across the lines as soon as possible, by any means available.
202. The next day, 21 March, Subject left Montorfano with Rossi for Piazza Fiume, Milan, in the latter's car driven by an Italian (NU) (name unknown) . Upon arriving at Piazza Fiume, at a building number unknown which is the Italian Hq. of the Xth Mas, Subject entered with Rossi and on their way up the stairs, met Commandante Borghese (AOB: the latter was very famous and someone whom did not went over to the Allied side) Rossi explained to Borghese that they were on their way up to see him and asked Borghese if he had any vehicles going to Genova (Genua). Borghese said that one would be leaving that afternoon.
203. Rossi gave Subject a letter to be delivered to Lt. Oriello who was Ufficiale Adetto of the Comando di Nezzi d'Assalto of the Xth Mas at Genua.
204. That afternoon, after lunch, Subject left Piazza Fiume by car with an Italian and one other officer of the Xth Mas, who was going to San Remo (NU).
KV 2/76-3, page 10ap
Crown Copyright
205. Upon arrival at Genoa, Subject found Lt. Oriello and handed him the letter from Rossi. Subject was given a meal in Oriello's room and then the latter arranged for him to sleep at the Comando Tappa of the Xth Mas that night.
206. Oriello told Subject that he must get him a La Spezia as soon as possible, where he had one Locobacci and a Lt. Illariucci who was the pilot of a special MTB boat.
207. Subject was to have left the next morning but could not due to lack of transportation to La Spezia. (the Naval Base). Therefore, Oriello took him to Untersturmführer Nichelson, a German officer of the Genoa
SDAmt VI. Nicholson gave him a permit to go to the road block and obtain a ride to La Spezia.
GoogleEarth
La Spezia; and use Genova (Genua) as a reference in both this map and the foregoing map
208. That evening, at about 1700, Subject got a lift in a civilian car (belonging to the Germans, containing a Wehrmacht officer) going to (the naval base) La Spezia. He arrived 1 April and checked in at the Albergo Firenze.
BB. Activities in La Spezia und
SD? (Amt VI?):209. The next morning, 2 April 1945, Subject, Subject reported to Lacobacci and Illariucci, whose office was at Castagna, a small naval depot just outside La Spezia, where they awaited him, having received a telegram that Subject was coming. (AOB: when I remember correctly: Schurch (Schürch) will be caught/trapped by US troops capturing La Spezia and its surroundings.) Subject was angered at Illariucci who told him that they could not go for one or two days as the sea was too rough. Subject told him that he had no time to lose.
210. However, on 6 April, Subject left with Illariucci at 22.00 in a MTB boat piloted by Illariucci, going out of the port and making their way down the coast where Illariucci was to drop him somewhere between Viareggio and Tombolo about 2½ miles from the shore. He had been given a rubber boat with a 1-cylinder motor attached for the trip from the MTB to the shore.
KV 2/76-3, page 11aq
Crown Copyright
211. (Prior to departure, on the afternoon before leaving, Subject was playing bridge, with Lacobacci and two other officers of the command (NU) (name unknown), when Lacobacci asked Subject to do him a favour of taking to his parents in Rome, a snapshot of his baby who had been born in February 1945. Lacobacci gave Subject no address, but did give him two phone numbers to call to make an appointment to see his parents. Phone numbers are (Rome) 881464 and 82664) (AOB: I wonder, whether he still did remember this phone number, or he kept it on a piece of paper and did still possess this when he was interrogated by the US G1)
212. While enroute, the MTB developed motor trouble, cutting the speed to a minimum and making a terrific noise. Therefore, they returned to La Spezia, arriving on the morning of 7 April at about 0230.
213. Subject asked Illariucci on arrival how long it would take to repair the boat, to which Illariucci replied it could be done quickly, but that they could not leave as he had no gasoline for the boat. Subject was so disguised with the matter that the next morning he went to the small SD ? command which was situated at Chiappa, to Sonderführer (Sdf) Bulach an Hungarian (German officer) who was in charge of Amt VI interests in La Spezia.
GoogleEarth
214. Subject explained the entire story to him and Bulach checked his credentials with Verona since Subject had destroyed the pass previously given him by Nicholson at Genoa (Genua), before boarding the MTB boat with Illariucci the night before.
215. Bulach told Subject that he would have to get permission from the German Division for Subject to pass the lines on foot. That same evening, on returning to the hotel where Subject lived and where Bulach also had a room, he told Subject that the Division would not grant permission for anyone to cross the front lines at this time as there was too much American activity.
216. Each day, Subject continued to inquire from Bulach as to the prospect of crossing the lines, but Bulach always replied that it could not be done.
217. On the morning of 20 April, at approximately 0400 the Germans blew up their powder (ammunition?) dump which was situated outside → of La Spezia,
KV 2/76-3, page 12ar
Crown Copyright
of La Spezia, causing a terrific explosion which shook the entire city. Until this time, La Spezia had been more or less tranquil, but from this moment, confusion reigned. Bulach left the hotel at about 0500 in his topolino (Fiat car type) and went to the Division Hq. to find our what news there was.
218. In the meantime, the Brigata Nera of La Spezia went with personal belongings, automobiles and their families to RR and tried to commandeer the trains so they could escape instead of the Germans. At about 0730, the German Lt. in charge of the station arrived and with soldiers, who were armed with machine guns, removed the Brigata Nera from the station, stating that no trains would leave until he had been given orders that they could, and who should leave on them.
219. At about 1000 the same morning, special notices appeared all over the street corners of La Spezia, stating that the city was under special emergency and therefore, there would be a curfew from 1300 to 0900 (the next day). This order was signed by the German Command. The next day, however, the curfew was changed to the period 1700 to 0900 as some orders was now restored.
220. At about 1630 of 20 April, Lt. Bulach said goodbye to Subject and told him that he (Subject) would have to stay in the town. Subject asked where Bulach was going and was informed that if he could make it, he was going to get to Parma. This was Subject's last contact with the
SD(Amt VI)CC. Activities in La Spezia after Allied Occupation:
221. On 21 April rumours circulated throughout the town that the Brigata Nera and all Italian Commands, including the Navy, would be leaving that night (destination unknown) by sea. They had received orders to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Everyone in La Spezia was quite happy to hear that the (Fascist) Brigata Nera was leaving as they had been terrorising the populace.
222. On the morning of 22 April, while going into town, Subject came across three young men lying dead in the streets, who had been killed by the Brigata Nera during the night. That → night,
KV 2/76-3, page 13as
Crown Copyright
night, all commands left as had been rumoured.
223. At about 1930 the same daym the first jeep arrived in town, carrying a British Major Gordon Lett of the SFSS, who asked for all leaders of the different political parties in the town to come to the office of the Questura for a meeting. Subject had become friendly with the Major in the meantime, attending the meeting in company with Lett. Subject had given Lett his cover story, stating he he was a member of the British Intelligence Service who had come to La Spezia knowing the front would break soon and that he had to go get in touch immediately with Capt. Richards of the British Intelligence Service at No. 5 St. James Street, London (AOB: incorrect, as M.I.5 was situated actually at St. James Street number 58!) London.
224. Lett believed this story and at no time did he as for Subject's identification. Subject had given his real name, stating that he was Swiss, in the pay of the British Intelligence Service and asked Lett where the head of this service was in Italy. Lett told subject that he thought it might be at Sienna. Subject asked Lett how long it would be before Subject would go to Rome and Lett said that once the responsibility of the present job could be handed over to the officer who would be coming to take over command of La Spezia, he would take the necessary arrangements for Subject himself.
225. At the meeting at the Questura, Lett was introduced to the head of all parties, a Colonel of the Italian Navy, Busolini who, in turn, introduced Lett to each individual chief of each party. Lett wrote these names down in a book. He then asked Busolini about the conditions in La Spezia regarding light, gas, water, etc.; if they were damaged, to what extent were they damaged and to report to him. After the meeting Subject went to get Lett something to eat.
226. Upon leaving Lett at about 0200 hours on 24 April, they made an appointment to meet the next morning at 0900 at Lett's office. (All the while Subject admits he was still planning to get to Rome to accomplish his mission.)
227. While in Lett's office the next morning, American officers came frequently to ask questions concerning the town. →
KV 2/76-3, page 14at
Crown Copyright
One American Officer had 13 German P.o.Ws. with him which he wanted to get to Sarzanna. Another officer asked Lett to find him some gasoline, and Lett detailed Subject to do this. Subject was successful in finding 3,000 litres which had been put in barrels and sink under water.
228. Subject then had lunch at the San Giorgio Hotel with Lett, Capt. Stevens (Br) and four or five American officers. The reason Subject wanted to be seen in La Spezia with Allied officers was because he did not want anyone to go to the Allied command with the story that he had been seen previously about the town with members of the
SD(Amt VI).229. Subject spent the day finding billets for the Allied command. During the day, an Italian, who had been a driver for the Italian Marine command came to Lett's office and told him that he had in his home a German Corporal of the Navy who had assisted in putting over 100 magnetic mines in the entrance to the port of La Spezia. This German Corporal was willing to give all information possible. Subject told Lett who asked Subject if he could find the Italian when it was necessary because when proper detachment arrived in the city, Lett wanted to turn the information over to them.
230. On the morning of 25 April an office was set up in the city under an officer of the American Navy (Subject believes he was of the Intelligence Service) to whom Subject immediately reported the story of the German Corporal and the magnetic mines, as well as the name of an Italian who had been chief technician of the German Marine Wireless Control Centre at La Spezia. The American Naval Officer asked Subject if he could bring his people to him as soon as possible and he would like to have information available immediately. Subject went to Castagna in a car with Capt. Taylor (UDF) to get in touch with those people. Upon arriving they found that the persons in whom they were interested had gone to La Spezia, but an appointment was made for 1430 at Castagna.
231. On their return to La Spezia, Capt. Taylor told Subject he was in need of a billet for himself and his staff and Subject took him to the
SD(Amt VI) villa at Chiappa. Taylor was → very pleased with this.KV 2/76-3, page 15au
Crown Copyright
very pleased with this. On leaving the villa, they met an officer of the CIC who had come with the intention of taking the villa for his command.
DD. Circumstances Leading to Arrest:
232. The CIC officer (who said he was in civilian) then asked Subject if he would go along with him to find another billet. Subject agreed and this was the last time Subject saw Taylor. After going to several places, they found a place which the CIC officer said would do for the present.
233. In the meantime, Subject had explained to him the case of the German Corporal and the CIC officer (of the 92nd Div. known to Subject as "MAC") suggested that he go with Subject to pick them up. They went back to Castagna and picked up the necessary people. During the ride to and from Castagna, the CIV+C officer made a number of inquiries and Subject came to the conclusion that he was not satisfied with Subject's story. Therefore, Subject commenced to throw away the gold money he had received from the Germans, one at the time along the road.
234. Later, upon returning to La Spezia, Subject was taken to an officer of this Unit who questioned him. Subject stuck to his story as long as possible, repeating that he had to get in touch with Capt. Richards at No.5 St James Street (The M.I.5. Offices were located at St. James Street 58), London. The SCI/Z officer told Subject he believed him, but Subject would have to give him more information: What office of the British Intelligence Service was he interested in con??ing? Subject did not dare suggest one as he feared that members of the British Intelligence would be in town. Finally, after questioning, Subject admitted who he was and was taken to the prison in La Spezia. His documents and money were left in the office.
235. On the morning of 26 April, at about 0900, he was taken from the jail to the SCI/Z officer once more, where the proper forms were filled out. Subject told this officer, as clearly as possible, what he wanted to know, except that in two→ cases he exaggerated because he was "browned off",
KV 2/76-3, page 16av
Crown Copyright
cases he exaggerated because he was "browned off", after the night he had spent in prison under bad conditions. He asked how many times he had operated beyond the lines and he said 8 times when the truth it was less; when asked how much money he was being paid by the Germans per month, he said 50,000 lire when it was actually on 20,000 lire.
236. After this interview, Subject was sent to SCI Unit Z in Florence where he arrived at about 1630. He stayed here at the Florence jail for two days on 28 April, was brought to Rome, where he was interrogated on 28, 29 and 30 April and 6 May 1945.
EE. Additional Information:
237. Subject states that Helfferich is very anti-Nazi as is also true of most members of the (old) Abwehr. (AOB: the Abwehr was forced to amalgamate with the R.S.H.A. Amt VI or Amt-Mil (Milamt) factually about July/August 1944). However, the entire
SDAmt VI is mad up of SS men, some of them wit at least ten years of Nazi training and are, therefore, completely fanatic about the Nazi cause; (M2185 ↓↓ M2185return)(AOB: this is incorrect, as quite many of the Abwehr became employed at Amt VI or Amt Mil. Some even did not know that they actually were employed by Amt VI. A curiosity: their payment/salary still being handled by the O.K.W. The reasons were many fold, but one important aspect were their career prospects. Those originating by the old type Abwehr kept their Wehrmacht rank. However, when time was progressing, it became possible to change their Wehrmacht rank in to the equivalent within the R.S.H.A. organisation.)
238. There was a Lt. Hugo Belli in charge of a special P.o.W. camp in Rome for obtaining information from prisoners. He spoke perfect English, German and French. Was noted for for stealing Red Cross parcels intended for Allied prisoners.
239. In stressing the honesty of the SIM (Italian Military Intelligence), Subject tells of a Colonel (NU) (name unknown) in an African PoW camp whom Subject knew was stealing jewellery from PoWs and whom Subject reported to Col. Revetria who had the Colonel arrested.
240. Subject claims that Engelmann always had the last word since he presented Berlin. that Helfferich was really under him rather then a in a position equivalent his.
241. After the absorption of the Abwehr by
the SD(Amt VI), theSDAmt VI controlled all operations of the ex-Abwehr. (pleas notice: M2185 M2185return)242. At Borgetto, which is near Ala on the Verona-Rovereto Road, is the Hq. where the "heart" of the Abwehr is located in a villa surrounded by completely bombed areas, although→
KV 2/79-3, page 17aw
Crown Copyright
the villa was never touched. In this villa was kept all the money and other necessary things for the entire Abwehr of Italy.
243. When Subject went to Merano on one of his many trips with Schneeweiss, they visited Engelmann (Obst. Hans von Engelmann), (AOB, the latter became victim in the aftermath of the failed assassination attempt on Hitler of 20 July 1944) who was living at the Pensione Mirabella, Merano.
244. Subject states that the Germans used Indians and Czechs. Subject noted, during his stay in Italy, especially around the Verona-Revereto area, many Indian troops equipped with small mountain artillery. In this area there also was a large force of Czechs who had their own officers and all necessary equipment to make up an armed force.
245. Subject, when questioned as to whether the Germans ever discussed American services, said that he never did hear anything. However, he noted that in the log book which was used for recording incoming material from an "American correspondent" to which the Verona office replied also once a month. Subject believes that there may have been an American working for Lang but he cannot be sure about it.
246. Via Anzani No. 2 became, during Subjects tenure in Verona, a Hq. for the German Railway Unit in Verona.
247. It had been planned that when it was necessary to move from Verona, the SD (Sipo) would take a castle in Brixen (Bresannone) (not too far south of the Brenner pass). At the time that Schneeweis got the castle near Merano, he chose this place at Brixen for the (Sipo?) Hq.
248. There was also at Castelfranco, a German Major, (NU) (name unknown), who spoke excellent English and was also connected with the Abwehr.
249. Subject once met Colonel Di Leo, head of the SID, with Hq. in a castle at Volta Mantovana when Subject was on one of his trips with Schneeweiss, about May 1944. Another officer of Di Leo's staff (Capt. Lang?, Italian) was head of the Italian SID at Bologna. Subject also met here a Lt. Bonanno, a Sicilian, who was born at Malta and where he lived for many years. His → home and office were at No. 14 Via Quarto, Verona,
(9) (since 2 October 2024)
KV 2/76-3, page 18ax
Crown Copyright
home and office were at No. 14 Via Quarto, Verona and he worked in close collaboration with German Capt. Lang (head of the
SDAmt VI in Verona after Schneeweis was arrested), turning over all information to Lang who, in turn, submitted it toAbt.Amt VI,SD. de (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Wolff_(SS-Mitglied)) (please copy this de hyperlink an paste in your browser.
250. Obergruppenführer (General der Waffen-SS) Karl Wolf en (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Wolff) is head of the SS fighting troops in Italy. Subject met him at Gardonica while on a pleasure tour with Lang. He owns a Packard straight 8, model 1939, navy blue colour.
251. Mario Rossetti, an Italian from Milan and a lawyer, worked for Graf von Thun. Subject saw him occasionally from April 1944 until Christmas 1944. Subject says that Rossetti had many Italians working for him capturing agents which the Italian Committee of Liebration in Switzerland was sending through to Italy. Rossetti was the man in charge of getting these men for Graf who would interrogate them and send the information to
AbtAmt IV? (VI?) (AOB: Amt IV is concerned with police matters of SD and Sipo abroad)252. Untersturmführer Straus was an Austrian from near Bolzano (Bozen) Officer of the SD (Sipo) responsible for Italians who passed the lines as agents of sabotage groups only. (AOB: this aspect may be regarded being in the operational objectives of police related concerns; thus related to Amt IV matters) Worked in close connection with Commandante Rossi of Monterfano (M2186 M2186return), Como. Subject met him at Como. He speaks perfect Italian.
253. Rossi, fnu (first name unknown), Italian. Lived at Via Buenos Ayres No. ? Milan. Was under Graf von Thun and as in the habit of beating captured agents who would not talk. Graf had been heard by Subject, criticizing Rossi for this action.
254. Otto was a German who belonged to the Verona SD (Amt IV or Amt VI?), but was under Dr. Bandorf (Pandorf) and in charge of receiving of receiving all messages which were sent from German agents in AOT by radio. Subject had heard Otto ask Bandorf (Pandorf) if Subject, while on his mission in Rome, could be permitted to contact two W/T operators there, a brother and sister, from whom there had been no word since January, and who had, up to that time, sent in regular reports.
255. Obergefreiter Gotsch, alias Arturo, made records of reports in the office of Lang and prior to that, Schneeweiss. He lived at Terlan, between Bolzano (Bozen) and Merano (Meran).
KV 2/76-3, page 19ay
Crown Copyright
256. Ebner, Cpl., alias Mario is from Bolzano (Bozen). At one time replaced Rudi Kirk as W/T operator when the latter went on leave to Germany. He was at a W/T operator under Hauptmeyer. When Kirk returned, Ebner went back to the Hq. in Merano (Meran). This was about March 1944.
257. Sonderführer (Sdf.) Daimler. Worked under Graf von Thun. Was only there a short time, having come to Graf's office about October 1944 until Subject last saw him in Milan (Milano) early in 1945. His wife worked at Platzkommandantur in Milan (Milano). He spoke perfect English, French and Italian.
258. Bauer. An Austrian who had a house on Via Anzani No.q, Veronam right next door of the SD Hq. (Amt VI?). In peace time he was a fruit importer in Verna. He lives at this address with his mother. Subject hads no idea what he has been doing for a living for the past two years and he is sure he could not be importing fruit. He was a great friend of Lang's and Subject thinks he may have been for Lang as he never seemed to have any private business, but always managed to have plenty of gas for his car. (AOB: in those times, one necessitated special (authorised) coupons to obtain gasoline)
259. Obergefreiter Beck was driver of Graf.
260. André (Andrea) was an expert W/T transmitter whom Subject met at Weiner's home in San Remo and who later came to Verona for a couple of days on his way to Bologna. At one time was an Italian paratroooper, 100% Fascist and worked for Weiner in the latter's radio department. Also a great friend of Fritz Reinhards, alias Frederico.
+ + +
261. An investigation by this office regarding Dr. "L" mentioned in para. 200 above indicates the following:
There is no Via Accademia in Rome. Dr/ "L" has been identified as Loesch, Gualtiero fu Martino and Fanny Fibrer, born at Lana (Bolzano) on 17.10.1897 dentist. At present is living at Via Archimede No. 102, Int. 10 with his wife and two children. He has a dental office on Via Veneto No. 208?. It is reported that during the German occupation of Rome, he received many German officials whose names are not known.
KV 2/76-3, page 20az
Crown Copyright
FF. Comments and Recommendations:
262. Subject is an individual gifted with an inate shrewdness (smartness) and a natural intelligence which compensates for his obvious lack of education. All through the interrogation, he was composed and very talkative, going through his ten years in the employment of a foreign power, easily, remembering all dates and incidents, personalities and places.
263. His story plainly reveals his treacherous (disloyal) nature. He has been a traitor in the pay of foreign powers, although he claims that his actions were based on ardent love for fascist ideals. However, this interrogator feels that his first acts of treachery enabled him to enjoy the taste of expensive pleasures which he could no longer psychologically do without.
264. He has admitted his intention to carry out his last mission fully, and did all in his power to get to Rome to accomplish this.
265. It is recommended that Subject be turned over to the British authorities for disposition, after a cursory investigation of the facts herein stated, as set forth in Sec. D. para of this report.
Interrogation conducted and report written by the undersigned.
Sgd. James Angleton
1st Lt., Inf.
C.O .- SCI/Z Units.
. . . .
. . . .
KV 2/77 page 3
We notice: born at: St. Marylebone 5.5.1918
Executed 1946 for treason.
Finally:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Schurch#Trial_and_execution
By Arthur O. Bauer
