Cuttings

My brother, M, recently sent me copies of some newspaper cuttings from The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald that tell of the death of our Great Uncle Carlo.



The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald 1 Dec 1916

As previously reported, Carlo Cavani, Italian Infantry, has died of fever in a field hospital. Previous to joining the Italian Army, he resided at 17 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats, and carried on business as an ice cream merchant at shops there and in Chapelwell Street.

A solemn Requiem Mass was sung on Thursday afternoon last in St Mary's Church, Saltcoats for the repose of the soul of Carlo Cavani. The church was crowded. Father Gallagher was the priest, and Father Diamond, Dalry, was the Deacon, and Father Power, sub deacon. The music of the Mass was rendered by a choir of priests under the direction of Father Clark, of Paisley. A motet, "Jesu Salvator Mundi" was exquisitely rendered by Father Clark after the consecration. The catafalque in front of the high altar was draped with the Italian flag.

An earlier report in the same publication noted:

" He was well known and much respected in Saltcoats where he has resided for fourteen years and when he left to join the Colours on 23 November last he was given an enthusiastic send off by the public."