A recent donation from the niece of Signalman Melvin McFee included this Message Form, setting out the surrender of German Forces in Italy in May 1945.
" 0937. Confidential. One. Von Vietinghoffs armies have surrendered unconditionally. Troops EAST OF RIVER ISONZA are not under command VON VIETINGHOFF and may continue to fight. Two. Troops of EIGTH ARMY will cease fire WEST OF RIVER ISONZ on receipt of this order unless the enemy commits overt hostile action in which case normal operations action will be taken. Three. ADM DIRECTIVES nos 1 and 2 both dates 1 May come into force forthwith"
Von Vietenghoff (pictured below, Commons:Bundesarchiv) took over from General Kesselring as Supreme German commander in Italy in late March 1945. A few weeks later he surrendered to Allied forces and was taken prisoner.
Melvin McFee’s role - as stated in a post war testimonial - was the routing of messages for 13 Corps HQ Signals. He was praised for “performing this task excellently, his work always being accurate and commendable.” McFee is pictured below in a photograph donated by his niece along with the Message Form and other items.
