Vincent Gercovich married Winifred Rebecca Bennett (English emigrant) on 13 February 1867 in St. Alipius church in Ballarat. They had a total of 12 children. Little is known about his life, but what is known that he was well disposed to several languages and due to his ability to communicate with immigrants worked at the entry gate to the city of Ballarat. He died at the age of 61. Vincent was one of these early Croatian immigrants who came to Victoria around 1850s. His surname Gercovich (probably Gerković or Jerković) came from the island of Hvar on Dalmatian coast. On his Australian citizenship documents, the place of birth was stated as Dalmatia, Austria. From research of collected documents it can be concluded that the first Croats arrived to this country some 150 years ago mainly because of gold discovery. Victoria had a few rich deposits of gold and for obvious reasons many came to join the great ‘Gold Rush’.A black and white family photograph features Gercovich family with 12 children photographed in a studio around 1889. Children ages on the photograph range from unborn to young adults.vincent and winifred gercovich, gercovich, early croatian immigrants, immigration, croatia, dalmatia, ballarat, gold rush

Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.187.non-fictionThe biography of Capt George Ingram VC, MM, the last Australian VC recipient of the First World War. From country childhood in Bagshot and Seville to a gunner with the Australian Garrison Artillery and the Tropical Force's Matupi Battery. He then served with the 24th Battalion AIF on the Western Front where he was awarded the Military Medal and the Victoria Cross. After the war he became a soldier settler, an original Shrine Guard and during World War Two he served with the Royal Australian Engineers. Throughout his life he carried the physical and mental scars of his service in the war.soldiers - victoria - biography, george ingram - biography

ill, notes, p.234.non-fictionThe dark clouds returned and gathered about the boy. His eyes grew distant, and he began to tremble. He heard not only shells exploding, but the cries of dying men . . . He was stumbling over churned earth, looking into the face of an officer, bloodied red as the poppies, ripped apart in the Flanders mud . . . A small boy, an orphan of the First World War, wanders into the Australian airmen's mess in Germany, on Christmas Day in 1918. A strange boy, with an uncertain past and an extraordinary future, he became a mascot for the air squadron and was affectionately named 'Young Digger'. And in one of the most unusual incidents ever to emerge from the battlefields of Europe after the Great War, this solitary boy was smuggled back to Australia by air mechanic Tim Tovell, a man who cared for the boy so much that he was determined, however risky, to provide Young Digger with a new family and a new life in a new country, far from home.world war 1914-1918 - children - biography, henri tovelle

Bibliography, ill, p.300.non-fictionRoy Kyle started writing his remarkable memoirs at the age of eighty-nine and almost completed his story before he died. Bryce Courtney was asked if he would edit Roy's work with the view to it being published. Roy Kyle was a typical Anzac, fiercely patriotic and prepared to give his life for King and country. He couldn't wait to have a go and enlisted at seventeen, a year underage, and found himself in a trench in Lone Pine on his eighteenth birthday. The battle of Lone Pine, more than any other, established the legend of Gallipoli and was where a new nation was called upon to test its courage. One of the last to leave Gallipoli, Roy Kyle served in Egypt and later at the Somme where he was wounded in the head, arms and back.world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - gallipoli, gallipoli campaign - personal recollections

Ill, maps, plans, p.181.non-fictionOn the 22nd of April 1995 more than 4,000 Rwandans were massacred and thousands more injured in a place called Kibeho. Terry Pickard, a seasoned soldier and medic, was one of a 32-strong force of Australian UN peacekeepers in Kibeho on that terrible Saturday. While the United Nations’ presence prevented the death toll from being even worse than it was, the massacre continues to haunt him. The rules of engagement that stopped him from intervening in the senseless slaughter, and the life and death decisions he was forced to make when dealing with the injured condemned him to more than a decade of recurring nightmares and debilitating flashbacks. The horror and unimaginable tragedy of the Kibeho Massacre still looms large in the lives of Rwandans and the people sent to help the African country. No one who walked away from that day was ever the same again. Combat Medic is a personal account of one Australian soldier who found himself at the centre of events that shocked the world, and the personal toll that he paid. Terry Pickard’s army career spanned nearly 20 years. More than 25 years after Rwanda he continues to struggle with post traumatic stress triggered by his experiences. Collapse summary united nations - peacekeeping forces - rwanda, rwanda - civil war - atrocities

Ill, p.192.non-fictionA Vietnam Soldier K.I.A. and His True Love... is the unique true story of a Vietnam soldier who was killed in action on his first wedding anniversary. Based on the life of Pte C W Roost, the book tackles the horrors of war and in particular the loss of a loved one in the duty of service to his country. An exceptional love story written from a woman's perspective, this book puts a human face to the controversial war in Vietnam. At just 20 years of age Chris, like so many Australian young men, was conscripted into the army as a National Serviceman. After marrying his childhood sweetheart, Mary, Chris was posted to Vietnam in June 1968. This book follows Chris' adventures through training, marriage and war. It shares his thoughts through his precious letters to his family, and tells the incredible story of the impact of war on our young Aussies. Chris was killed in action on December 23rd 1968 - his first wedding anniversary. He lives on in this book. Collapse summary vietnam war 1961-1975 – personal recollections – australia, soldiers - australia - biography

Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.335.non-fictionn 1900, Germany was one of modernity's great success stories: The most progressive and dynamic nation in Europe, it was the only country whose rapid economic growth and innovation rivaled that of the United States. Its political culture was far less authoritarian than Russia's and less anti-Semitic than France's. Representative institutions thrived, and competing political parties and elections were a central part of life. How, then, could it be that in little more than a generation this stable modern country would fall into the hands of Adolf Hitler and the violent, racist, extremist political movement he led, a movement that would lead Germany and then all of Europe into utter moral, physical, and cultural ruin?" "There is no story in twentieth-century history more important to understand, and Richard Evans has written the definitive account for our time. A masterful synthesis of a vast body of scholarly work integrated with important new research and interpretations, Evans's history restores drama and contingency to the rise to power of Hitler and the Nazis, even as he shows how ready Germany was by the early 1930s for such a takeover to occur. Its citizens were angry and embittered by military defeat and economic ruin, and its young democracy undermined by a civil service, an army, and a law enforcement system deeply alienated from the new order. The electorate was beset by growing extremism and panic about communism; and the small but successful Jewish community was subject to wide-spread suspicion and resentment. In the end, though nothing about what happened was preordained, Germany proved to be fertile ground for Nazism's ideology of hatred.germany - politics and government 1933-1939, germany - nazi party

Index, bib, ill, p.203.non-fictionProfusely illustrated text discusses the underground resistance organizations that operated in Nazi-occupied European countries during World War II.world war 1939-1945 - underground movements, world war 1939-1945- resistance

Book titled - Referendum - The Australian Way, delivered by the Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen on Wednesday, 11 October 2000, La Trobe University, Bendigo. The 2000 Sir John Quick Bendigo Lecture. The lecture was written by Michele Matthews. Lecture mentions how the referendums in this country came to be. It was the Swiss Federation that served as the model on which the founding fathers of our constitution relied in selecting the referendum as the instrument of constitutional change. Mentioned in the back of the book is a short life story of Sir John Quick and his work in Australian Federation. Also one about The Rt. Hon. Sir Ninian Stephen.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - referendum - the australian way, 2000 sir john quick bendigo lecture, rt hon sir ninian stephen, la trobe university bendigo, robertson hyetts, quick hyett and rymer, quick and hyett, edmund burke, alfred deakin, playford, the australian natives association, edmund barton, sir robert garran, dr john quick, university of melbourne, michele matthews, mrs cheryle parker

Bib, ill, p.429.Haunting and poignant, this collection of portraits from renowned Melbourne artist, George Petrou portrays a spirit like no other — the Anzac spirit. Australians from all walks of life have served our great nation with gallantry and sacrifice — ordinary people who displayed mateship, resilience and devotion to duty. The Art of Sacrifice captures the spirit of service in a fitting tribute to all Anzacs of every generation. Using images of the past and the stories of today, the artist travels Australia and overseas to connect the past and the present in a unique, powerful and evocative collection of outstanding portraits. The Art of Sacrifice is a stunning contribution to the understanding and commemoration of all those who have served our great country.australia - military - personal narratives, soldiers - australia - pictorial works

Used by officials of Echuca Little Athletics Association. Mid to late 20th century. Principal user was John (Mick) Weldon of Echuca. Mick Weldon was the City of Echuca's Citizen of the Year for 1991.The stopwatch has historical because it was owned and used by a life member of the Echuca Little Athletics Association. The Association was of important social significance to the City of Echuca, in that it encouraged and promoted participation of young people in athletic activity.Stop Watch, silver with cotton neck band. Large dial records seconds. Small dial records minutes.None

Part of the social history of the Stanley community and the life of children in rural AustraliaBlack and white photograph A group of 12 girls in white frocks with fansstanley children girls leisure dancing

Early in 20th century, a small group of girls at Myrtleford State School 955 participated in honouring Empire Day each May by "dressing up" to represent Britannia. This select group of girls celebrates the might of Britannia in the first full year of World War 1. It reflects the type of celebrations schools were expected to participate in at that time and for some years to come. Alice O,Donnell, the tallest, centre pupil in the group, was to lose her life on the Australian Hospital Ship "Centaur" when it was sunk by a Japanese submarine off the Queensland coast in May, 1943.A monochrome photograph of a small group of pupils at Myrtleford State School 955 in 1915, celebrating Empire Day. Pupils include from left: Isobel Robertson, Linda Croucher, Rene Johnson, Alice O'Donnell, Agnes Collins, Dorrie Peters, Madge O'Donnell. Photograph is inscribed: "T. Foxcroft, photo"empire day myrtleford state school 955 alice o'donnell

The bell was installed in the late 1880s at Myrtleford State School 955, Elgin Street, Myrtleford and rang there until the school relocated to a new site in early 1939. The bell followed the pupils to O'Donnell Avenue, but was dismantled and placed in storage in the 1950s. This bell is tied to the early daily life of state schooling in Elgin Street, from the commencement of the decline of gold mining in the district until immediately before the outbreak of World War 2. It is also related to the daily lives of children who participated in the "consolidation" of state schooling at O'Donnell Avenue and the development of "higher elementary" education.Large complete brass school bell with steel tongue.Inscription: "C. Wilson & Co., Founders, Glasgow, A.D. 1885"school bell c. wilson & co., glasgow myrtleford state school 955

Although this book is the biography of a Jewess from Vienna rather than from the Netherlands the author's experiences could have taken place in any of the Nazi-occupied countries. Her tale, however, is extraordinary in the combination of survival skills and luck that enabled her to live through the Jewish persecution of WWII.A 240p. paperback edition of the author's biographical experiences. It mostly describes her extraordinary survival of Hitler's Jew extermination policy.De Joodse Bruid - Edith Hahn Beer met Susan Dworkin. Zij trouwde een Nazi en redde haar leven. (She married a Nazi and saved her life). Original title : The Nazi Officer's Wife Translated by Ineke van Bronswijk ISBN 90 443 0092X

JACK PREDERGAST HONORARY LIFE MEMBER 18.3.90 47 YEARSInset colour photo of Standing Jack Prendergast in uniform with printed writing both above and below the photoabove photo WANGARATTA FIRE BRIGADE JACK PREDERGAST below photo HONORARY LIFE MEMBER 18.3.90 47 YEARS

Joined as husband is/was a volunteer Keith. Their children are Sharon and Trevor (Sharon - Auxillary member, Trevor Junior and Senior runner) auxiliary member 1 September 1963 - 2014 when she resigned form the auxiliary as a life member. president 1978 - 1980, 1990 - , secretary 1988 - 1990. Currently is classed as a brigade member.

Fifty years ago America was engaged on two battlefronts - the fight over there, on the other side of the plant, and the one at home. 1961-1975 -- united states, vietnam war, con thien, my lai, saigon, operation prairie

This novel will encourage anyone who has been forced to face life from a position of handicap, to believe in themselves, and to imprint images of success into their subconscious minds that will eventually overwhelm their seemingly hopeless current reality.soldiers - australia - biography, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - personal narratives, australian

List of Wangaratta Sub Branch Life Members who have been awarded Life Membership of the Returned & Services League of Australia.The elevation of a Service Member to Life Membership of the Returned & Services League of Australia is an honour that may only be approved by the National Executive on the recommendation of a State Branch. Great care must be displayed when considering nominating a Service Member for the honour of Life Membership of the League. Life Membership of any organisation is a single honour of great importance and any nomination must qualify the nominated member beyond all doubt as to their outstanding service to the League.Brown laminate five sided honour board with RSL crest and 12 names in gold coloured paintWangaratta Sub-Branch Life Membersrsl, wangaratta sub branch, life members

Photograph and medals belonging to Private John Leonard PARKER VX56265 2/23 Battalion AIF Killed in Action on 24/11/1943 during WW2. Buried at Lae cemetery in New Guinea. The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in August 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The battalion did its initial training in Albury before moving to Bonegilla, Victoria, before sailing for the Middle East in November. The 2/23rd left Alamein on 2 December and headed back to Gaza in Palestine, where it participated in the 9th Division parade on 22 December. The battalion left Palestine in the third week of January 1943 and reached Sydney at the end of February. Reorganised for jungle operations, on 4 September the 2/23rd participated in the division's amphibious landing at Red Beach, north west of Lae. Shortly before the landing occurred, the invasion fleet was attacked by six Japanese fighters and three bombers. Most of the Japanese bombs missed the Allied ships but one bomb hit the landing craft carrying the 2/23rd headquarters - killing the battalion commander and the ship's captain. The landing craft, however, made it to shore and the 2/23rd participated in the subsequent fighting around Lae, Finschhafen, and Sattelberg. After Sattelberg, the 2/23rd continued to move inland, capturing Masangkoo, Kuanko, and finally on 9 December, Wareo. Brown timber frame with dark blue background containing photograph of soldier, three round and three star shaped medals and document with coloured crest."This scroll commemorates Private J. L Parker Australian Military Forces held in honour as one who served King and Country in the world war of 1939-1945 and gave his life to save mankind from tyranny. May his sacrifice help to bring the peace and freedom for which he died."private john leonoard parker, 2/23rd battalion, ww2, new guinea

Life Buoy from HMAS Sydney II - On 19 November 1941, Sydney was involved in a mutually destructive engagement with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran, and was lost with all hands (645 aboard).Three Australian warships have carried the name Sydney. Following the tragic loss of HMAS Sydney II and all 645 crew members in 1941 the Life Buoy was found in poor condition discarded in a bin at Spectacle Island in Sydney and later restored. The Life Buoy made from kapok ceased to be used by the RAN in the early 1950's. Solid white circle surrounded by attached ropeHMAS SYDNEY hmas sydney, life buoy

Photograph of Wangaratta RSL Life Member Frank "Rooster" Ramage. with Vic Novak and Bruce McIlroy in background left and right respectively. Frank joined the C.M.F in 1943 and transferred to the 6th Field Ambulance A.I.F. in 1944 and discharged in 1946. He served in New Guinea and New Britain Frank joined the joined the RSL in 1956 and became a Life Member in 1996.Black plastic frame with white border mount containing photograph of elderly male smoking a cigarette with two males in background.Roosters's Corner Life Member Frank (Rooster) Ramagefrank ramage, rsl life member, wangaratta sub branch

Paul joined the R.S.L in 1948 and received his 50 year Service Award in 1998. Paul joined the British Army in Melbourne in 1944 and was posted to the Black Watch Regt. He served in the UK until 1946. He was commissioned into the Duke of Wellingtons Regt and served in Palestine with the 1st British Infantry Division until 1948. Paul was discharge at Royal Park in Melbourne in 1948. He was awarded Life Membership in 2001.Timber framed photograph of male in suit.PAUL KIRBY1991-2000paul kirby, palestine, life membership

Frank joined the C.M.F in 1943 and transferred to the 6th Field Ambulance A.I.F. in 1944 and discharged in 1946. He served in New Guinea and New Britain He joined the R.S.L. in 1956 and was made a Life Member in 1996Dark timber framed containing photograph of Life Member - Frank RAMAGEFRANCIS N. RAMAGE Frank was made an Honorary Life Member in 1996francis n. ramage, new guinea, new britain, 6th field ambulance, vx150056

Ken joined the army in 1941, with the 105 Anti Tank Regiment. Went to New Guinea in 1943-1945 with the 52Lt/AA Regiment. Ken joined Wangaratta sub branch in 1945 and was a committee man and Vice President for a number of years. Was made a life member in 1991.Dark timber framed photograph of male in suit.KENNETH R. DODEMAIDE kenneth dodemaide, new guinea, life member, wangaratta rsl