Prisoner of War mail, by Ruggero Bacci, to Mrs. Minnie Bacci, June 8, 1942

This handwritten prisoner of war mail in Italian, was sent by Ruggero Bacci, and is addressed to his wife Minnie Bacci, on June 8, 1942.

Bacci writes that he has received the copies of letters his wife sent, and will send her copies that he himself mailed to Ottawa. He hopes the censor will allow it. He asks her to obtain a lawyer and, if possible, to visit the Registrar (of Enemy Aliens) in Ottawa. He writes that he has assured the authorities that he will abide by all conditions they impose on him as a non-citizen. Bacci writes about her recent visit to camp, noting he was saddened to see her situation. He advises her to take care of herself. He also asks her to tell their sons not to buy bicycles, as he will not have one minute free from worry if they do, fearing an accident. He notes that the family has had enough suffering in recent times. He also asks her not to worry about him, noting he can handle the ongoing situation with calm.

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

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