The human spirit always triumphs
On the 13th of October 1939 a German U-boat U47 launched a torpedo attack on the battleship HMS Royal Oak which was lying at anchor in Scapa Bay, Scotland, causing the death of 833 crew.
The U47 slipped away undetected, but the terrible loss of life prompted the call for a more substantial defence of the naval port. In March 1940 Winston Churchill approved the building of ‘causeways’ to close off the eastern approaches. Work soon started with over 1200 Italian POWs to work on this huge building project.
With the armistice of September 1943 between Italy and the Allies, the POWs were given more freedom. They requested a proper place of worship and soon persuaded the camp commandant, Major T. P. Buckland, to allow them to build a chapel. They were given two Nissen huts joined end to end to convert on the condition all work was carried out outside working hours on the barriers. The foundations were laid for what has become Orkney’s most visited attraction.
One end of the hut was lined with plasterboard to form a sanctuary and an altar, altar-rail and holy water stoop were expertly fashioned from concrete. POW artist Domenico Chiocchetti started work on an amazing body of work given the restrictions on time and materials. With the success of the adornment in the sanctuary it was felt the whole chapel should be frescoed with angelic figures, stained glass windows and an altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child.
All the materials for the decoration were scavenged from wherever possible. Wood was sourced from a wrecked ship for the tabernacle. A rod-screen and gates enclosing the sanctuary were expertly fashioned by POW blacksmith Palambi from scrap metal. He also made two candelabras which stand on the alter - these were made with corned beef tins.
Chiocchetti’s work and enthusiasm for the project was indisputable but many others contributed extensively to the project. POW Buttapasta, a cement worker; Primavera and Micheloni, electricians; Barcoglioni, Battiato, Devitto, Fornasier, Pennisi, Sforza and others also left their mark.
As work progressed inside the chapel, it was decided to construct an attractive façade for the front of the Nissen huts. Buttapasta set to work thus casting ornate pillars, gothic pinnacles, archway and bell-tower. Directly above the door on the front of the archway Pennisi sculpted a head of Christ from red clay complete with thorn crown. Finally a thick layer of cement was applied to the entire outside of the Nissen huts to protect it from the Orkney weather.
With the work on the Churchill Barriers complete the prisoners were shipped out in September 1944. However, Chiocchetti remained behind for two weeks to complete the front which he was working on. The chapel had only been used for a very short time but it remains today as testament to man’s endeavour to overcome adversity and a dedication to their faith.
In 1960 Domenico Chiocchetti (then residing in Moena, Italy) returned to Orkney to assist with a restoration project of the chapel. He remained there for three weeks carrying out a variety of repairs and on his departure he wrote a letter to the people of Orkney in which he said:
"The chapel is yours - for you to love and preserve. I take with me to Italy the remembrance of your kindness and wonderful hospitality. . .I thank the authorities of Kirkwall, the courteous preservation committee, and all those who directly or indirectly have collaborated for the success of this work and for having given me the joy of seeing again the little chapel of Lambholm where I, in leaving, leave a part of my heart".- Domenico Chiocchetti - 11th April 1960.
There are two interesting books by Philip Paris on the subject:
The Italian Chapel - available HERE
Orkney’s Italian Chapel - available HERE
A similar expression of human faith and hope for the future can be found in Camp 70, Carmarthenshire, West Wales where Italian POWs built their very own church, The Sacred Heart. More details HERE