A Scottish delegation is set to jet off to Italy to pay respects to a brave partisan born in Arbroath who died fighting fascism in the Second World War. Archibald D Mackenzie of the 2nd Battalion the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and Carlo Carini will be honored during the trip.
Representatives from Scotland and England will be making their way to Piacenza and the surrounding area from May 2 to 6 to show their admiration for these two heroes. Mackenzie, originally from Cheshire and son of Edinburgh-born Captain Lynedoch Archibald Mackenzie, is remembered for his daring escape from a prisoner of war camp near Piacenza. He then went on to join Brigata Stella Rossa and fought valiantly in the resistance. Known as ‘Captain Mack’ during his time in the war, he tragically lost his life in October 1944 at Ponte dell’Olio.
On the other hand, Carlo Carini, born in Arbroath on March 11, 1923, to Italian immigrants Cesare Carini and Filomena Curà, led a remarkable life. His parents operated a fish and chip shop, and he attended St Thomas Roman Catholic Junior School and later Arbroath High School. An avid football player, Carini showcased his skills on the school team and various local youth teams. The young lad followed his mother back to Italy in 1938 to escape the harsh Angus weather, while his father was interned on the Isle of Man after the outbreak of the war.
Carini’s talent on the football field shone through when he made his debut for Piacenza in Serie C, the Italian third division, during the 1942-43 season. He played as a midfielder, making 13 appearances and scoring two goals. In 1944, Carini joined the resistance as a convicted anti-fascist. His fluency in English proved to be invaluable as he played a crucial role in rescuing Commonwealth soldiers captured in Africa and interned in San Lazzaro and Veano, earning him the nickname ‘English’.
As a partisan, Carini fought alongside the 141st Garibaldi brigade under the command of Guglielmo Beghi. He was part of the ‘flying squad’, which conducted raids for weapons and ammunition and attacked enemy vehicles in transit. Tragically, on October 31, 1944, during a raid in Piacenza, Carini and his comrade Aldo Bruschi were captured after a firefight. The following morning, at dawn, they were executed. Carini’s father only learned of his son’s fate after the war ended.
Eight descendants or relatives of these two heroes will be joining the delegation to Italy next month, along with historian Shaun Hullis and members of the British division of the National Association of Italian Partisans (ANPI). The group plans to visit a memorial dedicated to Carini, as well as meet with representatives from ASD Folgore, one of the youth teams Carini played for. Additionally, they will have a reception with the mayor of Borgo Val di Taro, where Carini was laid to rest.
The trip aims to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of these two individuals who fought against fascism during a tumultuous time in history. It serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience shown by those who stood up against oppression and tyranny.
