11/12/2024
Post honouring 110 years of the Australian medical mission in Serbia
The event on the occasion of the presentation of a special postage stamp in honour of 110 years of the Australian medical mission in Serbia was held today at the PTT Museum, in the presence of a large number of officials and guests, among whom were descendants of heroes from this mission.
Zoran Anđelković, Acting Director of the Post of Serbia, as the host of the event, emphasized the importance of this moment for strengthening ties between Serbia and Australia. He especially thanked the descendants who spoke warmly about their ancestors, emphasizing the importance of remembering the historical context. He reminded of the selfless help that Australia provided to Serbia during the First World War, contributing to the peoples of both countries building deep and lasting ties.
"Serbia suffered great losses during the First World War. I am particularly emotionally attached to this historical period, because my great-grandfather also survived Thessaloniki and Kajmakcalan, and returned to Central Serbia, not far from Vrnjačka Banja. The fact that it took 110 years for the peoples of the two countries to learn about the 1,500 Australians and New Zealanders who came to the aid of Serbia during the Great War is our own fault. I was still young when my great-grandfather told me about his endeavours, too young to understand the significance of his words and his sadness at the fact that society did not appreciate the victims of the First World War."
Anđelković emphasized that the Post of Serbia and Srbijamarka are proud to be able to contribute to preserving the memory of the exceptional contribution of Australian and New Zealand medical personnel during the First World War.
"These stamps represent not only gratitude, but also a bridge between our two countries. We are honoured to have made it possible for the courage and selflessness of those who helped the Serbian people in the most difficult times to be recognized", Anđelković concluded.
On this occasion, Đorđe Milićević, the Minister without Portfolio responsible for monitoring the situation, proposing measures and participating in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, said that the postage stamps that saw the light of day today are not only a tribute to the heroes of the past, but also a symbol of lasting friendship and a memory of all those who extended a hand of solidarity throughout history.
"Let this jubilee, as well as Armistice Day that is ahead of us, encourage us to continue building bridges of cooperation, to be there for each other, just as Australian medical workers were there for our people a century ago", said Minister Milićević and added that the relationship between Serbia and Australia from that period grew into lasting friendship, and that the arrival of the Australian mission is considered one of the symbols of solidarity and mutual respect.
In his address, the ambassador of Australia in Belgrade, Daniel Emery, commended the Post of Serbia for the initiative.
"Thank you all who joined us today for the launch of a set of stamps commemorating the contribution of Australian medical personnel to the armed forces of Serbia during the First World War. I thank the Post of Serbia for this generous and wonderful gesture. This will help the public learn about these brave and selfless people, whose contribution was not sufficiently recognized. The launch of the stamps will deepen the friendship between our countries", said the ambassador.
Bojan Pajić, historian and author of the publication "Serving with the Serbs - Australian Volunteers in the Great War", thanked those present for the attention they paid to this important moment and emphasized that the goal of this project is to highlight the contribution of more than 1,500 Australians and New Zealanders who served in Serbia during the First World War.
"Through years of research, I discovered that their service was overlooked in official histories, and today, with these stamps, their bravery is recognized. This gesture is an important step in recognizing their contribution", said Pajić.
Ruth Stevens, great-granddaughter of Nurse Ethel Gillingham, shared an emotional story about her grandmother.
"My great grandmother Ethel Gillingham was a nurse here in Serbia. We never met her, but her work here was heroic. These stamps are an extremely emotional recognition for us, which will help us remember her contribution", said Ruth.
Kathy Hancock, great-grandniece of Mary de Garis MD, who served in Serbia as a medical doctor, gave a similar emotional speech. Kathy spoke about the difficult conditions in which her great-aunt worked, but also about her exceptional dedication to patients.
"My great-aunt Mary de Garis worked in extreme conditions, and today she was finally recognized. These stamps are an important acknowledgment of her contribution. Mary would be delighted that her work was recognized in Serbia", said Kathy.
At the end of the event, the promotional trailer of the documentary "Kajmakcalan is far away" was shown, which is the product of Bojan Pajić's research work. The film shows in detail the role of Australians and New Zealanders in the First World War, as well as the importance of their help to the Serbian army and civilians.