THE ALPINI OF WOLLONGONG - PART TWO

In part two of the Alpini of Wollongong we feature some of the members of the group. The Alpini of Wollongong had many. Not all members were from the Alpini Corps or Alpini Reserves, but they were members of the group and contributed greatly. 

 

Massimo De Nardo

Massimo De Nardo was a Granatieri (Grenadier) soldier in Italy. He had a nephew who was an Alpino. In Australia he joined the Alpini of Wollongong. Only Alpini who served in the military could have official committee positions but there were members that were part of the core group who served the community and there were many in that role.

Massimo`s son Daniele, was born with Muscular Atrophy and by the time he was 15 years old he was struggling to write and had very weak motor skills. This affected his school work immensely. 

With the help of the Alpini of Wollongong they raised funds to purchase a specific computer for Daniele to be able to finish his schooling. It was such a help for him as he was able to complete his school certificate and consequently had easier access to communication and information which led to Daniele leading a much more fulfilling life. This was the type of charity work that the Alpini were involved with. Massimo was also part of the Alpini Choir. 

 

 

  

The above newspaper article was from the `La Fiamma Thursday August 10, 1995.`  The Wollongong Alpini Association together with ItSoWel (Italian Social Welfare) and The Trevisani nel Mondo were the three groups who combined their efforts to purchase a PC for Daniel De Nardo. During the course of the luncheon the Alpini Choir performed along with local entertainers on piano and piano accordion. 

 

 

 Massimo (wearing the sunglasses) with Mario Castagna and Domenico La Fata

on the day of the inauguration of the monument to the Alpini soldier. 

 Image from the collection belonging to Maddalena De Nardo

 

 

   

 

Giuseppe Cunial 

 

During World War ll, Possagno was seized by German forces, Giuseppe aged 18 and others escaped to the mountains to seek refuge. Giuseppe’s sister Giovanna risked her life by smuggling food and water to them. She was stopped many times by the German patrols wanting to know where she was going but managed to convince them that she was attending to the herd of animals. Giuseppe was eventually captured and imprisoned in Bassano Del Grappa  and not knowing what was to become of his life.  Giovanna`s friend was employed at the restaurant in his home town that was occupied by the German’s.  She somehow convinced them to having Giuseppe released.. how it happened he never said. 

 

Following the war, Giuseppe migrated to Australia. Approximately twelve months later his wife Anna and their two children arrived.  They headed to Mt Ossa, Queensland where Giuseppe was working as a cane cutter.  He worked there for 2 years.  The family then moved to Hay in NSW for another two years before moving to Wollongong where Giuseppe worked for EPT. Settling in Fairy Meadow he became an active member of the Alpini Group Wollongong until his tragic death September 26, 1979. He was only 54.

 

 

 

Giuseppe Cunial

 

Image from the collection belonging to Tony Cunial  

 

 

 

Domenico Dal Santo

Domenico Dal Santo was part of the Wollongong Alpini group since the early 70`s.  He served in the Alpini Military in Italy and fought on the Russian front.  Domenico was also an accomplished accordion player and took his accordion with him, playing for the troops. 

At the 1991 Adunata in Wollongong, at the Fraternity Club, Domenico and six other men from various Sezione around Australia, marched together with a banner showing the name of the Russian town that they found themselves in. These seven Alpini men came from different squadrons in Italy yet they would end up fighting in the same town. They fought in the Battle of Nikolayevka, a battle of heavy losses for the Alpini. 

 

 

Above: Domenico Dal Santo, Alpino.

 

 Below: Domenico would often bring his accordion 

and play for the troupes.

 At the 1991 Adunata (reunion).  The top photo of the seven men

who fought in the battle of Nikolayevka.

 

 

 

 This artwork was made out of copper. It was a gift to Domenico

made by his daughter Diana.

 

All above images from the collection belonging to Diana Cecchele (Dal Santo)

 

 

 

Giovanni Piagentini

Giovanni did his military service training in Italy when he was 22 years old.  He grew up on the mountain so it made sense that he would do his military service with the Alpini.  Giovanni was proud to be an Alpino and regarded his military comrades as brothers.  Coming from the mountain they were all proud to defend it.

Giovanni`s military service training lasted for 15 months where his training involved simulated war conditions. They spent months away from their base for induction, learning rifle assembly and disassembly and how to shoot accurately. They also completed both a summer  and winter camp consisting of specific exercises and scenarios. With military service being six days per week, Sunday was rest day. The training also consisted of physical exercise, training drills and mountain marches for kilometres at a time. Fitness was paramount for the Alpini. Giovanni contributed greatly to the Wollongong group helping where ever he could. 

Giovanni Piagentini was born in 1932 and was one of the original members of the Alpini of Wollongong group when it officially began in 1976.  Even when they started as a social group years earlier, Giovanni was there. He was one of only two original members left.  I spoke with Giovanni in the first week of November and sadly Giovanni passed away December 11 of this year. He was 93 years old. I felt so blessed to have spoken with him and his family and to share his story.

Images from the collection belonging to Giovanni Piagentini

 

Pietro Damin

Part two of the Alpini story had to end with Pietro Damin. Pietro Damin was the very first president of the Alpini of Wollongong and remained president for many years and continued being part of the committee in the role of treasurer. I spoke with Dina who is Pietro`s daughter. Dina said that the whole family was committed to the Alpini in one way or another. Dina`s mother would always help out to support her husband (as did many of the wives) and to support the Alpini group. Dina and her brother always attended events, picnics and outings. It was the just the thing they did, she said. There were many children of the Alpini who were also in attendance and they loved getting together too!

At the home of Pietro in those early days, the group meetings were held in the room under the house. This went on for several years. A lot of time was put in to establish the group. Through attending meetings in Sydney and becoming a part of the Sydney Sezione in 1976, Wollongong became their own Sezione in 1991 that also culminated with the Adunata that was held in Wollongong.

 

On Sunday July 25th, 1976 the Wollongong Alpini group held their first dinner dance/celebration with approximately 500 people in attendance.  Not only the Alpini from Wollongong, but also from the Sydney group who arrived in three buses, led by the then president Angelo Moras.  It was an afternoon filled with nostalgic songs, dancing and great camaradeire.

 

Dante Simonelli and his ensemble provided the music for the event. Dante was a master accordian player, teacher and mentor for many students.  Also in attendance for the celebration was Monsignor Antonio Cunial, who was a former military chaplain and an Alpino and  Bishop of Vittorio Veneto; the military chaplain Father Romano Cavalieri; (who came to Australia in 1954) and Father Nazareno Frattin of the Scalabrinian Missionaries of the Italian Center in Wollongong.

It was a proud moment for Pietro Damin as president. He thanked all who attended, he honoured the committee and all who helped in making the celebration a success. Pietro also thanked the local businesses who donated prizes for the raffles and who helped with the catering on the day.

 

Pietro Damin

The very first president of the Alpini of Wollongong group.

 

Image from the collection belonging to Dina Chieffe (Damin) 

All images from the collection belonging to Dina Chieffe (Damin)

 

Alpini Choirs

 

Alpini Choirs are all over the world now that you find Sezione of Alpini worldwide. Going back to the very beginning when the Alpini were formed they would sing songs to help them cope in the harsh conditions, they told stories of loss and of brotherhood and comradship. Many of their songs became traditional folk songs and other `non military` civilian choirs would often sing them too. The Alpini of Wollongong had a choir that ran for two years. They didn`t need a choir performance to break into song, they were known for always having a sing-a-long whenever the time felt right. The Alpini Choirs were also known for their harmonies. 

The following song by Marianna Lanteri called `Penne Nera` was first released in 2013. This  modified version below was released in 2015. The video clip was shot at the Monte Grappa  shrine.  The song speaks about the battle at Monte Grappa where many soldiers, on both sides, lost their lives. It also depicts what it means to be an Alpino.  Marianna Lanteri also co-wrote the song.  It is very moving.

 

 

 

Italian Lyrics 

 

                      E` pommeriggio ma sembra l`alba                                             

Il sole che si affacia da una roccia        

Illumina il mio nido, in volo mi alzero`

E questo cielo azzurro abbraccero`

Tra le mie cime del Monte Grappa

Guardando verso il fiume e la sua valle

Lontano sul pendio un uomo vedo ancor

Per mano ha un bambino, ma che ci fa quassu? 

 

Porti un cappello e una penna nera

Ti rivedo, mio vecchio alpino

Porti a casa un ricordo

Lasciando qui il tuo cuor

Quel tuo nome la brigata chiama ancor

Porti a casa un ricordo

Lasciando qui il tuo cuor

Quando combattevi per il tircolor

 

Ormai piegate le stanche spalle

Ma forte, tieni in mano il tuo bastone

Che come una bandiera nel vento si alzera`

Ed un cannone ancor risuonera`

Tra queste cime che tanto hai amato

Torni, ragazzo, in mezzo alla vallata

 Commosso stringi a te quel tuo nipote che

Saluta con la mano, guardandomi nel blu

 

Porti un cappello e una penna nera

Ti rivedo, mio vecchio alpino

Port a casa un ricordo

Lasciando qui il tuo cour

Quel tuo nome la brigata chiama ancor

Porti a casa un ricordo

Lasciando qui il tuo cuor

Quando combattevi per il tricolor

 

Porti a casa un ricordo

Lasciando qui il tuo cuor

Quel tuo nome la brigata chiama ancor

Porti a casa un ricordo

Lasciando qui il tuo cuor

Quando combattevi per il tricolor 

 

 

 

 

 

 English Lyrics

 

 It`s afternoon but feels like dawn

The sun looking out from a rock

Light up my nests, in flight I will rise

And I will embrace this blue sky

Among my peaks of Monte Grappa

Looking towards the river and its valley

Far away on the slope I still see a man

He has a child on his hand, but what is he doing up here?

 

Bring your hat and a black feather

I see you again, my old Alpine soldier

Bring home a memory

Leaving your heart here

The brigade still calls that name of yours

Take home a memory

Leaving your heart here

When you fought for the tricolour

 

Now bend your tired shoulders

But strong, hold your stick in your hand

That like a flag in the wind will rise

And a cannon will still sound

Amoung these peaks that you loved so much

Come back, boy, to the middle of the valley

Moved, hold that nephew of yours close to you

He waves, looking at me in the blue

 

Bring your hat and a black feather

I see you again, my old Alpine soldier

Bring home a memory

Leaving your heart here

The brigade still calls that name of yours

Leaving your heart here

When you fought for the tricolour

 

Bring home a memory

Leaving your heart here

The brigade still calls that name of yours

Leaving your heart here

When you fought for the tricolour 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 https://youtu.be/fmoVi43L4tA?si=lbtRrIz5lM-lC50O

 

from the youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@Bagutti

THE ALPINI OF WOLLONGONG - PART ONE

Who are the Alpini? The Alpini are the Italian `MOUNTAIN INFANTRY`. They are a specialist unit under the Italian army corps. They began in 1872, October 15 and they are the oldest Mountain Infantry in the world. Their main role was to protect the mountain ranges (ALPS - ALPINI) and the Italian borders in times of war. They were used extensively throughout WW1 and WW2. An individual soldier is called an `ALPINO`.

The ANA (Associazione Nazionale Alpini or National Alpini Association) is the registered Italian society representing former members of the Alpini corps. Every year since 1920 the ANA has organized a national reunion (ADUNATA). It is not uncommon for hundreds of thousands of Alpini to congregate in an Italian city for a weekend in the late spring, celebrating and remembering old times.

There are also Alpini groups around the world, operating under the statute of the ANA in Italy. These world wide groups have aided in educating the public of who the Alpini were, along with the various community services, charity work and fundraising that they have done and continue to do today. The Alpini have worked tirelessly to create wonderful events and gatherings of family, friends and the public. They really have left their mark throughout many countries.

Around 1972, a group of Wollongong men who were Alpini (with many of them working at EPT, Transfield and the wider community) formed a social group. By this stage the Sydney Alpini social group had already formed with many of the Wollongong group attending the Sydney meetings as well.

At a reunion in Sydney organised by their local Sydney Alpini members, Wollongong resident Cav. Pietro Damin was in attendance, and with the help and encouragement of the then president Angelo Moras, they discussed the possibility of forming a (Wollongong Group)  under the Sydney Sezione.  

The Sydney Alpini Association became a `Sezione` in 1976, with Wollongong being a part of them. Wollongong eventually became their own Sezione in 1991. Other smaller groups formed in different states and regions. World wide there are 80 associations with approximately 335,000 members. 

The first official Wollongong committee consisted of the following people: President: Pietro Damin, Vice-President: Giovanni Manera, Secretary: Matteo Dalla Pozza, Treasurer: Silvano Tonegato, Councillors: Luigino Pozzacchio, Giuseppe Cunial, Giuseppe Consolaro, Giovanni Bresolin, Primo Galanti, Corrado Cazzolli, & Marcello Pojer.

The Wollongong group at its peak consisted of 40- 50 ex-servicemen as well as others who made up the numbers. They first ran their meetings underneath Pietro Damin`s house for several years. Afterwards the meetings took place at the home of committee member Giovanni Penzo. Giovanni had a room in his house that he dedicated just for the Alpini meetings. The Alpini eventually got a shipping container, parked on the grounds of the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow, where they ran their meetings for 25 years. They would eventually require a second shipping container to house all their equipment and supplies.

The Alpini of Wollongong became active in the community and began with fundraising and community events. They quickly established themselves and ran picnic days, road trips, dinner dances and other events to raise money for charity and public donations.

They typically ran two picnic days per year at Cordeaux Dam. The dam is located on Picton Road and it is a 30 min drive from Wollongong. With its large area for picnics and BBQ`s it was perfect for large gatherings but not too far from home. It was well received with family, friends and many in the community. With their famous bolognese sauce they cooked up a feast for all to enjoy. It was many hands on deck, volunteers a plenty and they would usually have a sing-a-long too!

 

 Images from the collection belonging to the Alpini of Wollongong

 

Images from the collection belonging to the Alpini of Wollongong

 

 

The Adunata 

The Adunata is the annual get together of the Alpini. World wide they run them and in Italy thousands are in attendance. The event always brings together current and former members of Alpini. They generally have parades, ceremonies, and cultural activities. It also creates a strong sense of camaraderie. 

In Australia the Adunata is usually a two day (weekend) event. The first Adunata took place in in Sydney November 5 -6, 1983.  Wollongong had their first Adunata Oct 5 -6, 1991, whilst celebrating their ascension to Sezione. Wollongong was no longer under the arm of the Sydney Alpini. They were their own autonomous Sezione. There would be a second time that Wollongong held an Adunata and that was in 2002 October 5 -6.

The Adunata events have taken place in most capital cities in Australia and some other major towns including Griffith, Cairns and Sydney. The Adunata is still celebrated around the world.

 

 

2014 Adunata Pordenone, Italy.

One of the fantastic parades. Sezione from many regions of Italy and

countries from all over the world. There were thousands in attendance. 

 

 At the 11.00 mark you will see Australia marching.

 

Video from the youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gilbertotedeschi3539

Alpini Park Tarrawanna (PARCO ALPINI)

The following text was taken from the  `L`Alpino in Australia` magazine for the 
2002 Adunata celebrated in Wollongong, October 5 -6. The Alpini Park was officially opened on Sunday August 29, 1991.

TARRAWANNA PARK DEDICATED TO THE ALPINI

It will remind future generations of the role played by Italians in the Illawarra.

Wollongong; Despite the uncertain weather conditions, a large crowd attended the solemn inauguration ceremony of the "Alpine Park" located on Caldwell Avenue in Tarrawanna (a suburb north of Wollongong), home to hundreds of families of Italian origin.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Wollongong, David Campbell, Consular Attaché Turo Chiodo, and representatives of the main Italian associations in the Illawarra.

After the performance of the Australian and Italian national anthems by the Wollongong Alpine Choir and the blessing imparted by Father Luigi, Tony Panozzo, president of the Wollongong Alpine section, welcomed the numerous attendees, including members of the Marconi Club and the Abruzzi Club of Sydney. He explained that the creation of the park had been made possible thanks to the work and funding of the group he represented.

The master of ceremonies, Primo Galanti, explained to those in attendance, mostly Australians, the goals and philosophy of the Alpine troops around the world, who have made the symbolic image of the black feather famous through their work of solidarity with others and their representation of the Alpine Corps and their homeland.

Mayor Campbell was responsible for unveiling the two commemorative plaques that stand out on two columns in the centre of the park, where an elegant marble mosaic depicting the Wollongong Alpine group stands.

In his speech, David Campbell, after praising the work of the Wollongong Alpine troops, noted that the inauguration of the Alpini Park represented his last official commitment as mayor, as after the September 11 local elections he would dedicate himself exclusively to state politics. The official ceremony concluded with a speech by Turo Chiodo, who stated that the park, with its monument and commemorative plaques, would remind future generations of the work of the Wollongong Alpine troops, including important charitable initiatives on the South Coast (most notably the Marco Polo Village), as well as the role of the Italian community, which had contributed significantly to making Wollongong the most multicultural city in Australia.

A magnificent magnolia tree was then planted in the center of the park to commemorate the historic event, before those present enjoyed an outdoor breakfast.

.Images from the collection belonging to the Alpini of Wollongong

The Alpini Monument  and The Alpini Museum Sydney

In 1982, at the Scalabrini Village at Austral, Sydney, the Alpini Associations of both Sydney and Wollongong paid for and constructed a monument as a dedication to the Alpini who lost their lives for their country.

In 2016 the Sydney Alpini Sezione constructed a small Alpine Hut to be used as museum for all the Alpini Sezione in Australia. You will find memorabilia, information, artifacts and many stories. 

The Museum took three months to construct at a cost of approximately $35,000.00. It was built by the men from the Alpini of Sydney Group. The monument that was previously erected at the entrance on the site of the Scalabrini Village was relocated next to the museum after completion of construction. The relocation came at a cost that was covered by both the Sydney and Wollongong Sezione. 

Inside the museum you will also see a large bell donated by Luciano Liberale. Luciano is a member of the Sydney Sezione and the bell is in honour of his young son Antonio who passed away when he was 13. The Bell was presented at the inauguration of the opening of the museum. It was built in Italy but designed here.

The museum was built as a replica of the (Capella della Visitazione). It is a little chapel that was built in 1958 at the Falzarego Pass, situated in the Dolomites. Inside the Capella della Visitazione is a metal plate with a poem that speaks about the loss of life in WW1. 

The Italian Alpini Museum at Austral is a one of a kind museum in Australia that is dedicated to  Italians who fought for and served their country.  For visits to the museum contact Giuseppe Querin:  0414285682.  Visits are by appointment only. 

Images from the collection belonging to the Alpini of Sydney

 

 

Invitation for the unveiling of the Alpini Monument at the Scalabrini Village

 

Image from the collection belonging to Dina Chieffe 

 

The Alpini Monument when it was in its original location

 

Image from the collection belonging to the Alpini of Wollongong

 Castagne Day 

The Alpini of Wollongong first began their Castagne Day back in late 1970’s. It later took on a life of its own at the Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow.  It became an annual celebration. (roasting the chestnuts). The Alpini men, with their hand made large metal roasting drums were manning the large fires and churning out beautiful roasted chestnuts for the public to eat and enjoy. 

In 2009 when the Association was invited to participate at the `Festa della Repubblica` (Italian Republic Day) in Wollongong Mall, the Alpini chose to continue with their tradition of (roasting chestnuts), which promoted further to the existing community involvement. 

It is has now become a for all the community to enjoy.  People from all walks of life attend Castagne day. A day filled with fun activities for the children with rides ect, market stalls, live entertainment and of course roasted chestnuts. Castagne Day is held annually at the Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow on the third Sunday in May. 

 

.Images from the collection belonging to the Alpini of Wollongong

 

 

Members of the Alpini of Wollongong visiting the elderly at the Marco Polo nursing home.

 

Images from the collection belonging to the Alpini of Wollongong