Following the footsteps of a WW2 prisoner of war

Historian Malcolm Gaskill discusses his great-uncle Ralph’s experiences as a PoW in Second World War Italy

Published: February 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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Captured in Libya, imprisoned in Italy, and twice an escapee: historian Malcolm Gaskill's great-uncle Ralph's experiences of the Second World War were certainly dramatic. Yet he left behind little more than a few photos, a wartime memoir, and a few stories filtered through family legend. But through years of research, travel and a unique partnership with an Italian historian, Gaskill has pieced together a story of quiet courage and unexpected connections. Here, in conversation with Elinor Evans, he discusses the resulting book, The Glass Mountain, and the challenges of telling such histories.

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Authors

Elinor EvansHead of digital (web and video)

Elinor Evans is head of digital (web and video)

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