Aboriginal brothers recognised for unprecedented military service

[Observer_1938]

Four Aboriginal brothers from south-western Victoria could hold a unique place in the military history of the British empire.

The chief historian at the Imperial War Museum in London says there is no known precedent for the war service record of the Lovett brothers, who served in both world wars.

Frederick, Leonard, Edward and Herbert Lovett from Lake Condah saw action in France and Palestine during World War I.

All re-enlisted and served in World War II, despite being in their 40s and 50s.

The museum's Nigel Steel says that as far as he is aware, the Lovett brothers' record of military service is unequalled.

"It's certainly not something I have ever come across," he said.

"And the Imperial War Museum as a Commonwealth institution - which looks at the military history of not just Great Britain, but also Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India - brings in a lot of references and a lot of stories, it's certainly not something I've come across before.

"I think the gap between the two wars and the ages of the brothers must have brought about something that is going to be very hard to repeat if there was any possibility."

John Connor from the Australian War Memorial says the Lovett brothers deserve a place in Australia's military history.

"It's really unusual to have four brothers serve in the First World War and then almost 20 years later when the Second World War starts all try to enlist and all are accepted for service," he said.

The son of Herbert Lovett says he is ecstatic that his family's distinguished war service is being recognised.

"I knew that it was sort of special... but today I really know how special it was," he said

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/05/05/1915096.htm



LEST WE FORGET   

 

[Observer_1938]

RSL told to look elsewhere for money in hunt for Aboriginal diggers
Posted Sat May 26, 2007 9:04am AEST


 A South Australian project to find Aboriginal veterans and their families may end because the Federal Government will not fund it.   

The RSL is trying to find Indigenous people who have served in the Defence Forces to make sure they are getting their full entitlements.

Gil Green fought in Vietnam but says he is still working on getting benefits.

"The process is very slow in how it works and I've got the RSL here on my side," he said.

But the RSL has been told to look elsewhere for funding for its search.

Federal Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson says his department is already doing the work - and there is no need for duplication.

"What I also recognise is some of the methods of engaging Indigenous veterans needs to take account of their circumstances and that's what we're doing," he said.

Mr Billson says there are 3,000 or 4,000 Indigenous veterans


http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/05/26/1934000.htm

[kiwi]

Thats stupid a digger is a digger regardless and it needs to be funded. You serve a country you need to be honored and  remembered.

[sniper]

Well done that family,   Hasn't the ever well informed Billious heard of Norforce?

[sniper]

Photo taken 1985 ,,,,says it all

[Husar]

These four brothers are definitely Great Men.