“The Chestnut House: War and Civil War on Italy’s Gothic Line in 1944“

An illustrated talk by local author Anna Valencia.

In the winter of 1944, the mountains & valleys of northern Tuscany became a fiercely contested section of Italy’s Gothic Line, as Allied & Axis forces fought for control of the country. Yet for the people who lived there, the war was also a bitter civil conflict, with families & neighbours divided between Fascists & Partisans.

Local author Anna Valencia will explore this little-known chapter of Italian history, focusing on the Garfagnana region & the communities caught between the opposing forces. She will look at what life was like for civilians living on the front line, the divisions that developed within villages & families, and the experiences of those who found themselves living through both an international war & an Italian civil war.

The talk will also explore the story behind Anna’s novel The Chestnut House. Inspired by wartime stories recounted to her by neighbours in Montaltissimo, Anna became fascinated by the unique history of the area & by the way the events of 1944 continued to live on in the memories of those who had experienced them. ‘The Chestnut House‘ was born from a desire to honour those stories & bring this extraordinary, often overlooked chapter of Italian history to a wider audience.

Leslie Charles Colwill. Son of Sidney & Bessie Colwill of Keeper’s Cottage, Moretonhampstead. Killed in action serving with the 8^th Army along the Gothic Line on December 6^th, 1944. Aged 28. Buried in grave III B II, Faenza War Cemetery, Italy.

At the Parish Hall with a 7.30 pm start. Bar available from 6.45 pm. Non-members welcome – £4 on the door. Free entry for students. Doors open from 6.45pm – there will be display of WW2 weapons by a local collector to accompany the talk.