Join us for a compelling evening as David Ross shares the extraordinary story of his father, Michael Ross, an officer in the Welch Regiment, and his remarkable experiences during the Second World War.

• Thursday 16th April
• 7pm to 9pm
• Droxford Village Hall, Droxford

Michael's wartime journey began with his baptism of fire in the Western Desert in 1942, facing Rommel's advancing tanks. After ten days on the run behind enemy lines, sustained by the spontaneous kindness of nomadic Arabs, he was captured and held as a Prisoner of War in Italy. Determined and resourceful, Michael and a fellow officer made the first escape from Fontanellato PoW camp, only to be recaptured near the Swiss border ten days later.

Undeterred, Michael escaped again. This time he joined Italian partisans in northern Italy, working against occupying German forces and Fascists. For more than a year he evaded recapture before finally reaching Allied lines. He was later awarded a Mention in Despatches for gallant service. His story is also one of deep humanity and courage. Local Italian families risked everything to shelter Allied soldiers, and while in hiding Michael fell in love with a partisan's daughter, a poignant thread running through this remarkable account.

Originally published in 1997 as From Liguria with Love, the memoir was revised and republished in 2019 as The British Partisan, with new photographs, maps and research that had not been available to Michael at the time of writing. The book stands as a powerful tribute to resilience, sacrifice and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Following the talk, signed copies of The British Partisan will be available for £20. All profits from book sales will be donated to the Monte San Martino Trust, an educational charity supporting the descendants of Italian families who risked their lives assisting Allied prisoners of war by funding English language courses.

This special fundraising event, organised by the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral, will support learning and schools outreach at the Cathedral and benefit young people across the diocese. An engaging and inspiring evening, and an opportunity to support two important causes.

Please note this event does not take place at the cathedral, please see your ticket for confirmation of the venue address.

Admission fee: Members: £11.50

Non Members: £15.00