Orkney was critically important during the first and second world wars because of its massive natural harbor (Scapa Flow). In 1942, Italian prisoners of war were brought to Orkney to construct the Churchill Barriers: 1.5 miles of solid-filled causeways to protect the British fleet. Prisoners at camp 60 built a Catholic place of worship so they could practice their faith.
Italian Chapel, c. 1943-1945
The story of Camp 60
The prisoners used what they had available to make their chapel. Two Nissen (steel) huts were joined end-to-end. The corrugated interior of the chapel was covered with plasterboard. The alter and alter rail were made out of leftover concrete. Light holders were made out of corn beef tins The baptismal font was made from the inside of a car exhaust covered in a layer of concrete.
The alter
The prisoner that decorated the interior of the chapel stayed after the war to finish his work for the newly consecrated chapel. In fact, the chapel was not completed until after the end of the war. It was restored in the 1960s and again in the 1990s. It is still used for worship and is a popular tourist attraction. The Italian Chapel has become a lasting symbol of peace in the islands.
Unique exterior
Interior
In 1943, with morale running low, a professionally trained artist from Italy decided to beautify the camp's central parade square. He designed and built a statue of St. George slaying a dragon. Similar to the chapel, he used leftover materials from the causeway construction.
St. George statue, c. 1943