Trails to Freedom: The Book
'Trails to Freedom: The True Story of the Medieval Trails used by ANZAC POWs to Escape Italy in 1943 - 1944' is a moving historical account of Anzac bravery at the height of World War II, charting the path of four Australian soldiers who fled the Nazi–Fascist regime in Italy by crossing the treacherous Monte Moro Pass to safety in neutral Switzerland. But it is also the poignant story of author Simon Tancred following in their footsteps on a solo hike across the Alps to honour his uncle, a POW who never got the chance to escape.
Escape from Fascist Italy in 1943
In October 1943, four Australian soldiers left Biella in the foothills of the Alps in northern Turin, fleeing Italy's Nazi–Fascist regime. They spoke no Italian, and they had scant clothing and no food. With the help of local partisans, who offered support at great risk to themselves and their families, the soldiers crossed into neutral Switzerland eight days later. They were four of more than 500 Anzac POWs who followed the sentieri della libertá - the trails to freedom.
Genisis of the story
Almost 70 years later, author Simon Tancred embarks on a modern-day pilgrimage along the same route. With every step he takes, history rises to meet him: the stories of the four escapees, the Italian anti-fascists who helped them and the Anzac soldiers who didn't make it. He remembers, too, his uncle John, a POW who perished in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Along the way, he passes through some of the most spectacular and challenging terrain in Europe.
This is a fascinating story that brings to life the extraordinary, largely unknown history of this ardurous route to freedom
About the author:
Simon Tancred is the director and founder of Hidden Italy, which has been organising guided and self-guided hiking tours in Italy since 1993. During this time, Simon estimates he has walked over 15,000 kilometres up and down Italy and has worn out seven pairs of hiking boots. He speaks fluent Italian, and has lived and worked in both Milan (for five years) and Florence (for two years), where he wasemployed by Monash University.
Simon now lives with his family in Surry Hills and spends half the year in Italy. His travel writing has been published in numerous Australian newspapers and travel magazines, including The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Financial Review and Weekend Australian.
