Entry 58: Salvatore Moschilla - The Army
Location: Calabria, Italy
Date: 1928 - 1941
Compulsory Military Service
Around 1928, Salvatore was conscripted into the army as part of Italy’s compulsory military service, which required all men to enlist at the age of 18 and serve for a standard length of 18 months. This ignited a sense of adventure in him and opened up life experiences far beyond vegetable gardens, olive groves and wheat fields. It was an opportunity to travel to new places outside of rural Siderno and acquire new skills. Given he fulfilled his duty during a time of world peace, the experience was positive, leaving Salvatore with long lasting memories of a rewarding and happy period in his life.
World War II
In 1933, Salvatore married Concetta Trimboli and the couple’s resilience was immediately put to the test as they faced numerous challenges and devastating tragedies - beginning with the unexpected cot death of their firstborn daughter. Soon after, three healthy babies followed in quick succession, but then in 1938, their youngest child, Maria, contracted meningitis at the age of 6 months. Maria survived the serious infection, but with no access to medical treatment the disease left her deaf in both ears and with severe muscular weakness in her legs. The following year, in1939, the challenges continued as Concetta, pregnant once again, bravely cared for her family while dealing with Maria’s communication difficulties and inability to walk - the child needed to be carried everywhere. To help her cope with these tough circumstances, Concetta relied on her deep faith in the Catholic religion, trusting that God would grant her the strength she prayed for daily. Meanwhile, other troubles beyond Salvatore and Concetta's control were looming; the frightening threat of war grew increasingly more likely with each swift invasion of neighbouring countries by German armed forces.
Italy was unable to remain neutral for long. On 10 June 1940, Salvatore and Concetta’s worst fears were realised when, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, Italy officially entered World War II. At this point in time, their young family consisted of four children under the age of six: Giovanni, Angelina, Maria and Cecilia. Although Salvatore did not want to leave his wife alone to deal with their family's hardships, he had no choice but to follow the military orders that arrived a few months later. His only small comfort was knowing that Concetta would have the support of her parents, Angela Galea and Giuseppe Trimboli, who lived nearby.
On 14 November 1940, thirty-year-old Salvatore began his service in the army. According to oral history, he worked as support staff and was specifically assigned as a cook. It is also widely understood among family members that Italy had a policy allowing soldiers with four or more children to be released from long-term military service. As a result, after serving for a year, Salvatore became eligible for discharge, and on 30 November 1941, he received his “Foglio di Congedo Illimitato” document, declaring that his duty as a soldier was completed. His discharge certificate does not provide any details about the army division he belonged to or his specific role, stating only: "fante Moschilla Salvatore" - identifying him as an infantryman.
Returning to civilian life, one can only imagine the immense relief Concetta felt when she first saw her husband walking along the track leading towards their cottage. Eternally grateful that her prayers had been answered, she now hoped God would continue to protect her family through the remainder of the war.
EXTRA INFORMATION
In Australia, in the late 1950s, Salvatore chose two of his favourite photographs to combine into a "side by side" collage. These images held personal significance to him, representing key parts of his life and reflecting how he wanted to be portrayed. One half of the collage, taken in Italy, captures a young teenage boy in an army uniform, standing on the brink of adulthood, ready to embark on life's journey. In contrast, the other half shows a content, mature man wearing a suit, photographed in Australia after enduring decades of hard work and sacrifices.
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