This essay will discuss historical events during and shortly after WWII that brought Australia, the Netherlands and the emerging country of Indonesia together in a complex and often messy set of international affairs.
By Elisabeth (Elly) Anderson – October 2006 Whilst researching the early history of a mainly Irish-administered Catholic community in the Adelaide Hills some years ago I was intrigued to find that the first documented visit of a priest, back in the 19th century, had been by a Dutchman. Being Dutch-born Read more
A remarkable Dutch merchant ship and its escape to Australia Among the many Dutch merchant ships that played a vital role in the defence of Australia during the Second World War, few have a more remarkable story than the MS Abbekerk. Carrying arms and ammunition through increasingly dangerous waters, surviving Read more
Richlands, Inala and Suburbs History Group Inc. (RIHG) Richlands, Inala and neighbouring suburbs are located in the south-west of Brisbane, Queensland. The History Group was formed in 1996, incorporated in 2000, and has become a force in the local area. Our objective is to further the appreciation of our history Read more
I was born 22/8/51 in Den Haag, Netherlands, where I studied horticulture being the fifth generation to do so. After my studies I travelled the world for approx. 6 years. During this period I worked in the offshore oil industry. In 1975 I married Magda van Boheemen. After we were Read more
When I was 4 years old, my parents decided to leave Holland and go to the Dutch East Indies. That was in 1947. My father had a Doctorate in Eastern Linguistics and had better employment opportunities there than in the Netherlands so soon after the War. And so my parents Read more