Michaël “Sjel” (Mike) de Bruyckere, born in Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands, on 6 February 1928, was a remarkable Dutch and Australian footballer whose legacy extended beyond the pitch. Early Years and Dutch Success. De Bruyckere commenced his football journey as a junior player in his local club before catching the eye Read more…
In 1938, amidst escalating tensions of war, the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board recognised the necessity for a versatile ‘local defence vessel’ capable of anti-submarine and mine-warfare duties. This need birthed the concept of the HMAS Armidale, envisioned as a vessel with a displacement of around 500 tons, capable of reaching Read more…
[Cape Londonderry to Norman River] Gulf of Carpentaria and Arnhem Land The coast of Arnhem Land was mapped by the Dutch in the “Arnhem” skippered at that stage by Willem van Coolsteerdt in 1623 but there are no accounts of what transpired during that section of their voyage. Voyage of Read more…
On 3 March 1942 Japanese Zero bombers arrived and within 15 minutes bombed 23 Alied aircrafts that were either laying in the Roebuck bay or which were parked on the aerodrome. Approx half of them were NEI airplanes, between 35 and 40 Dutch people were killed in the raid and some 60+ were badly injured.
Founded in August 1962, the club was known as “Sports Club Holland” until 1982-83, when a name change led to the modern Gambier Centrals being born. In 2003 the club finally put down roots on Bishop Road, moving from its second home on Penola Road alongside activ8. See also: Clogball Read more…
Adrian (Aad) Harmsen was born in Leiden in 1925. From a young school age he played football and became a key player in the local football club. During WWII he became involved resistance work and in 1945 he was employed as a translator at the Royal Dutch Aiforce. Worried about Read more…
During World War II, Gould Airfield, also known as Gould Strip, was an important airfield located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It played a significant role in the defence and strategic operations of the Allies in the Pacific theatre during the war. Here’s more information about Gould Airfield and Read more…
The 15th day of August 1945 will go down in history as the day of the end of the Second World War. On that day, Japan capitulated and the President of the United States announced that the conflict in the Pacific was over. But there was no question of a Read more…
The Windmills Soccer Club, founded in 1950 by Dutch immigrants led by Hank Beumer, has a rich history in Western Australian soccer. Originally established as a recreational outlet for the local Dutch community, the club navigated its early years and gained entry into the Third Division of the Western Australian Read more…
