Pietro Queiloro

Since 13 September 1943, Walter Frank Dinwoodie (African Regiment), who escaped from PG 52, Pian di Coreglia, was sheltered and treated by some families in the hamlet of Semorile. The soldier spent approximately nine months in Giovanni Solari’s home, and during that period, he was also supported by Guido Moltedo, who provided him with clothing, tobacco, and some financial assistance. Since 1 August 1944, after a search at the Solari’s home, he was moved to Pietro’s house, who worked as a farmer and lived with his wife, Palmira, and daughter Maria.

On 13 October 1944, a Black Brigade unit from Chiavari, after a spy’s tip-off, occupied Semorile. Walter Dinwoodie was found and captured, and with him the two family heads, Giovanni and Pietro. Palmira and Maria were also arrested. The former was imprisoned in the Marassi prison in Genoa and then in the Bolzano concentration camp, from where she was released in December due to her poor health. The latter was released after 35 days in prison.

The enemy also stole six sheep belonging to the Queiloro family and sacked and burned Guido Moltedo’s house, who had fled into the nearby hills with his daughter.

A few days after their arrest, on 20 October, Giovanni and Pietro were shot in the Chiavari cemetery.

As stated by Palmira to the Allied Commission:

The loss of my husband, who was the sole support of our family, was a true disaster for us, also from an economic standpoint. Due to the suffering caused by imprisonment, I am now unfit for any profitable work and therefore materially unable to earn a living.

After the war, Dinwoodie returned to Zoagli and married Maria. The couple moved to South Africa in October 1945.

A commemorative plaque was placed in honour of Giovanni and Pietro near the parish of Semorile in 1966.