Among the many personal objects preserved in the collection of the Bronbeek Museum is a small Australian Red Ensign carrying a handwritten dedication linked to one of the most significant dates in Australian history: 15 August 1945, Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day).
The flag formed part of the estate of Klaas Cornelis Jan Lugten, a Dutch naval engineer officer who served with the Netherlands forces in Australia during the Second World War. Stationed in Melbourne, he was a member of the Marine Stoomvaart Dienst (MSD) and held the rank of Lieutenant Commander (Engineer). He died on 10 April 1981 at the age of 83.
The museum description
The Bronbeek catalogue records the object as follows:
Australische vlag, Australian Red Ensign: Union Jack in linkerbovenhoek op rood veld met Commonwealth Star en het Southern Cross (Crux). In totaal zes witte sterren. Klein model met inscriptie 1945/08/15.
“Peace had her victories no less renowered than war.”
“Keep this little Australian flag us as embrache of V.P. Day Jan. Portia. 15.8.45”
Nalatenschap marine officier Marine Stoomvaart Dienst (MSD) 1e klas Klaas Cornelis Jan Lugten. (vader) technisch officier onderzeedienst. Gelegerd in Australië, Melbourne tijdens WO2. Lieutenant Commander engineer. Overleden 1981/04/10 (83 jaar).
English translation
Australian flag, Australian Red Ensign: Union Jack in the upper left corner on a red field with the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross (Crux). A total of six white stars. Small model bearing the inscription 1945/08/15.
“Peace had her victories no less renowned than war.”
“Keep this little Australian flag as a remembrance of V.P. Day. Jan Portia. 15.8.45.”
From the estate of naval officer Klaas Cornelis Jan Lugten, First Class officer of the Marine Stoomvaart Dienst (MSD). Technical officer in the submarine service. Stationed in Australia, Melbourne, during the Second World War. Lieutenant Commander (Engineer). Died 10 April 1981 (aged 83).
What the flag itself tells us
The handwritten inscription visible on the flag differs slightly from the museum transcription and helps clarify the wording. Reading directly from the photograph, the dedication appears to say:
“Peace had her victories no less renowned than war.”
— Milton
and:
“Keep this little Australian flag as a remembrance of V.P. Day. Portia. 15.8.45”
The museum catalogue understandably struggled with the handwriting, rendering “remembrance” as “embrache.” Examination of the original object suggests that “remembrance” was almost certainly intended. Likewise, the final signature or name may be “Portia,” though this remains uncertain and would benefit from examination of the original flag.
A Dutch sailor in wartime Australia
This small souvenir opens a window onto a much larger story. Following the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies in 1942, thousands of Dutch military personnel, civil servants and merchant marine officers relocated to Australia. Melbourne became one of the principal centres for Dutch naval activities, while Brisbane later hosted the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile and numerous military and intelligence organisations.
For Dutch personnel serving far from home, VP Day on 15 August 1945 marked not only Japan’s surrender but also the prospect of returning to the Netherlands East Indies and rebuilding their lives after years of war. The gift of a small Australian flag to Lieutenant Commander Lugten was therefore more than a simple souvenir. It was a personal token of friendship and gratitude, linking a Dutch naval officer to the country that had provided refuge and a base of operations during the war.
Today, this modest flag preserved at Bronbeek stands as a tangible reminder of the close wartime relationship between Australia and the Netherlands and of the many individual friendships that emerged from that shared struggle.
