Story of reconciliation and hope from darkness of wartime

I have blogged this subject previously. That was prior to reading The Italian Chapel by Philip Paris. This book is quite a page turner. Paris visited the chapel on Orkney’s Lamb Holm Island in 2005 while on his honeymoon. He was sufficiently impressed to spend five years’ tracking down those associated with Camp 60 on Lamb Holm including artist Domenico Chicoectetti and others (British and Italian) involved is crediting a magnificent place of worship in a desolate Orkney landscape. The compelling story is read much like an historic novel. Some content is the author’s imagination albeit events and dates are claimed to be accurate. The result reads well and comes across as authentic. Semi-historic characters come to life.

I visited the chapel in 2006 while cycle touring Orkney as an add-on to a length-of-Britain ride. The chapel was attracting 100.000 visitors annually. It might not have been there had the demolition crew obeyed orders. Lamb Holm Island was to be returned to original condition following the exit of Italian POW people. But the head of the demolition crew, having seen the inspirational Madonna art work said, ``I have no intention of one day standing before my maker and admitting I destroyed a splendid structure built for his glory.’’

500 Italian POWs inhabited Lamb Holm, arriving from the warmer Middle East in 1943. They were greeted by icy rain belying an impression of Hell being a place of extreme heat.

The Italians’ prime purpose was to construct the Churchill Barriers between islands in order to prevent German subs entering Scapa Flow, as one did in October 1939 and sank HMS Royal Oak with over 800 fatalities. It was arduous –virtually impossible, work but was eventually achieved. The barriers became useful causeways connecting the islands. The Orkadians benefited immensely.

The Italian Chapel was created from unpretentious Nissen huts. Its development forged friendly relations between the Italians and the British entrusted in keeping them confined. Friendships formed lasted well beyond the end of WW2. And friendships extended to Orkney people. One, James Sinclair, was a Kirkwall photographer who recorded Italian Chapel happenings. Lamb Holm is these days owned by Tom Sinclair. The Italian Chapel become a Symbol of Hope amidst dark days of world war.

When Mussolini was voted out and subsequently arrested in July 1943 the Italians of Camp 60 gained some freedom. They continued with their causeway duties but without British guards. They assisted with farm work. And the creation of the chapel continued.  Artist Domenico stayed on to complete his work when the POW personnel went to work elsewhere.

The story pleasingly continues to the restoration of the chapel in 1960. The building had suffered from the weather owing to makeshift construction methods and shortage of suitable materials. Much of it was made from scrap. The art work was created with poster paints. A restoration group of Orkadians went into action. To get assistance the group got the media on-board. The BBC was particularly interested and wanted to track down the Italian artist. But no-one knew where he lived or even if he was still living.  He was tracked down to the Italian village of Moena.  Domenico Chicoectetti accepted an invitation to return to Orkney and became involved with the chapel restoration. He had heaps of assistance and made new friends. (He had also kept in touch with British Army officers who were in charge of the POW camp.) Indeed many of the British officers assisted in creating the chapel. Even though it was primarily created for the Italians, services were also attended by British Army officers and local people.

Throughout the war Domenico had carried a prayer card with a picture of the Madonna and child. This was used as the model for his art work. In 1960 he was able to touch it up with quality artists’ materials. He used his skills to ensure his new work blended with the original. The restored Italian Chapel was a stunning memorial to friendship, hope and, of course, to God.   Post war, many exchange students travelled between Italy and Orkney

When the chapel was completed, Domenico made a dramatic speech, handing the Italian Chapel over to   the Orkney people. ``It is yours to love and preserve. I take with me to Italy remembrance of kindness and your wonderful hospitality. I will remember always and my children will learn from me to love you.’’ Domenico was leaving something of himself behind in Orkney. He also paid homage to his companions of former Camp 60.

I was particularly interested in the Italian Chapel having established a peace movement, the New Zealand World Peace Bell. It would be unveiled in my home city, Christchurch, soon after my return. I appreciate the World Peace Bell as also being a Symbol of hope.