Obituary: Lord Bonham-Carter

ON READING your admirable obituary of Lord Bonham-Carter (by Frank Field, 7 September), writes Dr Julius Cowen, I was surprised to learn that I had been shot by the Germans.

When Italy capitulated in September 1943, our Italian guards in Campo PG 47 Modena disappeared. We were addressed by the Senior British Officer, who said that an order had been received from the British High Command for us to stay put until the arrival of the advancing British forces, but if we wished we were free to leave camp and try to make our own way back.

Quite a number, including Mark Bonham Carter, decided to leave on their own. Most of them were recaptured by the Germans.

A few hours later the Germans arrived and set up machine-gun posts around the compound, and we were kept in the compound all night. No one was shot. Next morning we were marched through Modena to a railway siding, where we were loaded on cattle trucks for transfer to Germany.

I am glad to say that I am still alive and well.