Perote Prison - WWII Concentration Camp
I have recently learned that my g-grandfather at age 76 was sent to a concentration camp in Veracruz during WWII because he was an Italian national. He had immigrated from Italy in 1890, arriving in Veracruz and living in Mexico the remainder of his 85 years. I have not been able to find much info on this subject of the treatment of Axis Nationals in Mexico, and in fact, am only guessing that the Prison he was sent to was Perote. I would like to obtain more information on this subject and if you know of any website, books or personal knowlege on this subject please advise.
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Re: Perote Prison - WWII Concentration Camp
My grandfather was mexican but of Austrian/Italian descent (Walter MEnghini). He was a chemical engineer at a smelter in Monterrey, Mex. When WWII broke out, he was interrogated about his politics and other relevant things by mexican and American officials. After it was ascertained he wasn't sympathetic to the Axis he was free to go. What probably saved him from anthing worse was the fact that he was born in Mexico. As an aside, at the beginning of WWI he attended the German School in MExico City. It was closed down and his parents sent him to San Antonio , Texas to finish out his schooling. I never heard about this concentratino camp you mentioned. How long was it untill your grandfather was released?
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Re: Perote Prison - WWII Concentration Camp
John, very interesting to hear about your grandfather. I imagine there must be alot of similiar stories "out there" and I would be so interested in hearing them! At the age of 77, after having lived in Mexico for 53 years, my g-grandfather was sent to prison for a two year period until 1945. I have no idea what his politics were. I know he encouraged his sons to enlist in the Mexican army in 1918, which they did. I can only guess that maybe he was a stubborn old man who still felt some loyalty to Italy? Why else would they put him in prison? Any other stories out there?
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Re: Perote Prison - WWII Concentration Camp
I'm interested in why Italians chose Mexico over the US to immigrate to. My great grandparents immigrated to El Oro, MEx in late 1890's to take part in the minning business there. I know also things were not so good in N.Italy/S.Austria at that time. Why did your family go to Mexico? Why did they choose Veracruz? Was there an Italian community there? An irony to the whole matter of Italians in Mexico was the fact that during the MExican Revolution, they were not only under suspicion by the government but also persecuted by the revolutionary forces....Zapata's forces raided El Oro, sacked the bank, and strung up my greatgrandfather. I assume it was because he was a foreigner or part of "the establishment" as he was a mine manager. He was spared at the last moment by a miracle. This near death experience forced him and many other to the relative safety of Mexico City.
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Re: Perote Prison - WWII Concentration Camp
I wish I knew why my g-greatfather chose Mexico. Unfortunately his elderly grandchildren have no idea. Are you aware of any books which discuss Italians to Mexico that you can recommend?
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Re: Perote Prison - WWII Concentration Camp
Laura, My great great great grandfather was in that very prison from 1842 to 1844. It is still there and you can find it on Google Earth. Type perote, mexico and it is just north of the town. Several Texas prisoner were held there as a result of continued fighting into south texas after the battle of san jacinto. They refused to honor texas indepence. My great great great grandfather was captured in the battle of San Antonio in Sep 11, 1842 and they walked him from San Antonio to the Perote Prison. Waddy Thompson from South Caroline negotiated their release in March 1844 back to New Orleans then Glaveston, where they walked back to San Antonio. I had a great great uncla named on a census record Waddy T Brown. Ed Brown first child in honor of the man that got them out of that hell hole. In reading it was not a easy stay and they were abused beaten and some starved to death. In my reading I foound that prison was in use until 1974. During WWII captured soldiers from italy and germany were brouoght back and held there until the end of WWII. So I am geussing he did not choose Mexico it was chosen for him.
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