The Monte San Martino Trust, which was founded in 1989, provides study bursaries in England for young Italians in grateful recognition of their countrymen’s bravery and generosity in aiding escaped Allied prisoners during the Second World War. Up to 50,000 PoWs left their camps after the Armistice, in September 1943, and headed for freedom.

“The courage of those Italians who were ready to risk their lives to help British soldiers in danger is a glowing example of the moral strength that allowed Italy to redeem itself from the tragedy of the Second World War.” – Giorgio Napolitano, President of Italy.