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The following is a newspaper photograph of Carlo Cavani, 17 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats, who died of fever in a field hospital: -

Died of a fever during World War II in Albania of all places. In the Daily Record dated 29th November 2015, Stephen is recorded as stating Carlo arrived in Scotland with his (Stephen) grandfather. The article depicts a photo of grandfather and unknown son outside the West End in the 1910s. So, if Stephen is correct, Carlo must also have been in Scotland. However, I am unable to locate him on CWGC despite using almost every variation/additional info I can think of.

My late brother, whose material I'm still sifting through, clearly had the same difficulty finding information about Carlo that was readily available for soldiers in British regiments. The following, however, may be of interest: -

"CARLO CAVANI, Italian Infantry, has died of fever in a field hospital. Previous to joining the Italian Army he resided at 17 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats, and carried on business as an ice-cream merchant in shops there and in Chapelwell Street.

A solemn Requiem Mass was sung on Thursday afternoon last in St. Mary’s Church, Saltcoats, for the repose of the soul of Carlo Cavani. The church was crowded. Father Gallaucher was the priest, and Father Diamond, Dalry, was the deacon, and Father Power, sub-deacon.

The music of the mass was rendered by a choir of priests under the direction of Father Clark, of Paisley. A notet, “Jesu Salvator Mundi” was exquisitely rendered by Father Clark after the consecration.

The catafalque in front of the high altar was draped with the Italian flag."

I did consider he joined the Italian Army considering where he died. That said, it was pleasing to see enmities were put aside for his funeral. My wife’s Italian father was interred but released following a positive statement made by his friend, the local Police Sergeant. Her maternal uncle and grandfather were not released but relocated to South Australia. Her paternal grandfather enlisted and fought with the 1st AIF (Italy and Japan both fought with the Allies during the Great War - curious considering future events).

ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
11 JUNE 1915

DEPARTURE OF ITALIAN RESERVISTS - ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF AT SALTCOATS

On Tuesday forenoon a scene of very great enthusiasm was witnessed at Saltcoats Station, when the Italians resident in our district left for Italy, to take up arms in defence of their country.

Arrangements had been made for all the reservists between Largs and Stevenston to gather at Saltcoats, and to join the 11.30 a.m. train for Glasgow.

All the Italians in the different towns in the vicinity turned out to give their compatriots a hearty send-off, and as the matter had been made widely known the streets were lined by a great number of the general public.

The Ardeer Garrison Band and an escort accompanied the reservists to the station. Outside the military party lined up, and saluted the reservists as they passed into the station, while the band played the Italian National Anthem.

Inside the station the personal friends of the reservists were gathered and displayed their enthusiasm by waving the Italian flag and cheering their departing friends.

Provost Miller and Judge Christie were both on the platform to wish success and bid farewell to our Allies.

As the train came into the station the engine was seen to be decorated with Italian and British flags.

A large company of Italians accompanied the reservists to Glasgow.

As the train steamed out of the station the crowd raised a hearty cheer for our Italian friends. It is a long time since Saltcoats turned out in such numbers or displayed such enthusiasm.

[There was apparently a photograph in the above newspaper showing: - Mr Corzi, Glasgow; Umberto Pellegrini, Saltcoats; Carlo Celco, Stevenston; Ettore Cassioli, Stevenston; Luigi Beconaccorsi, Saltcoats; Joseph Pedreschi, Saltcoats; and Carlo Cavani, Saltcoats.]

Second Lieutenant GEORGE ADDIS ADAMSON, St. John's Manse, Ardrossan, who died in action: -

Cannot, for the life of me, think from where I got the idea Carlo Cavani died during WW 2. Even the grainy photograph tells me it was WW 1 era.

Second Lieutenant JAMES G. AIRD, 7 Winton Circus, Saltcoats, who died in action: -

Lieutenant ARCHIBALD CHARLES EDWARD ALEXANDER, Boydston, Ardrossan, who died in action: -

Lance Corporal JOSEPH ALEXANDER, 60 Quay Street, Saltcoats, who died in action: -

Private ISAAC ALLAN, Born Ardrossan, Enlisted Ardrossan, and who died in action. Brother of William Allan, 11 Raise Street , Saltcoats.

Private JAMES ALLAN - Born Saltcoats, Resident Dalry - and who died in action: -