Email: [email protected] Postal Address AJGS (Vic) Inc PO Box 2536, Caulfield Junction VIC 3161
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Terry Ashton My Family’s connection to the Dunera Boys - Richard Abrahamowicz LJLA and Australian Jewish Genealogical Society
by Terry Ashton
Venue: ZOOM
TO BE ADVISED
Please register your interest and CLICK here to BOOK ********
Abstract:
Richard Abrahamowicz was the Jewish nephew of my great grandfather, who after managing to escape from Austria to the UK around early 1939, was interned before being shipped to Australia in 1940 on the notorious HMT ‘Dunera.’ Upon arrival in Sydney, Richard, along with others from the ‘Dunera,’ was sent and interned in Hay, N.S.W. Eventually, he made his way back to the UK, joining the ‘No 10 Pioneer Corps’ which enabled him to join a combat unit.
In 1942, desperate to turn the tide of war, Churchill created a top-secret commando unit, known as ‘X’ Troop comprised of Austrian and German Jews who fought against the Nazis during World War II. Richard was one of these. Using fake British names and personas, the men of X Troop were used both as commandos—killing the Nazis—and in counterintelligence—interrogating the enemy on the battlefield. Richard Abrahamowicz became Richard George Arlen. Participating in the ‘D Day landing at Normandy on June the 6th 1944, Richard was reported missing on the 7th of June 1944, later presumed killed in action on or shortly after that date. He has no known grave but his name is on the Bayeux memorial, in Normandy’.
Yolande McNicoll - Recovering the worlds of my Jewish family: the journey to opportunity
Yolande McNicoll, PhD is fortunate to have had a proud grandmother who was eager to share her family story.
In this talk, Yolande will illustrate how she turned these memories into a broad, well-documented family tree,
reconstructing a migration journey that began with disaster in 1831, in Rogozno, Poland.
Using genealogical and other historical sources ,and training in history, languages and
paleography (the study of old handwriting), Yolande uncovers the 40 year progress of her
Fink forebears to Melbourne (via Geelong, London, Guernsey and Berlin) from the old Kingdom of Poland.
Venue: Glen Eira Town Hall
Date: Sunday May 31st 2026
Time: 2.30-4.00
Upcoming Event
My Jewish Heritage-Yolande McNicoll
Yolande McNicoll Yolande McNicoll, PhD is fortunate to have had a proud grandmother who was eager to share her family story. In this
My Connection to the Dunera Boys-by Terry Ashton
Venue and date and time to be advised For further information email [email protected]
FAQs
Not really sure where to start? No problem! We’ve compiled a list of common questions to help you get a better idea of our community.
AJGS Victoria is a member of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies We’re a non-profit organisation based in Victoria, Australia and are dedicated to sharing information about Jewish connections in the region, helping members uncover their heritage, researching this heritage, and sharing our stories.
Anyone with Jewish heritage, who thinks they may have Jewish heritage or is interested in researching this interesting part of history is welcome to join our society. We are open to everyone of every background, regardless of ethnicity or culture, and aim to be a warm and welcoming group to all.
To join our society and take part in our events or access our research resources, all you need to do is complete our membership application. There are three different membership options, including an individual membership (annual fee of $35), family membership (annual fee of $50), and concession card holder membership (annual fee of $20).
Want to explore your family’s history? Join our society today and let’s discover your family’s story together!
Past Presentations
Enjoy resources from members of our society and learn about research projects, records, and databases.
Start your journey of discovery, build your family tree, and learn about our shared history.
Sidra Kranz Moshinsky
Sidra Kranz Moshinsky – “Roots Project in our Schools “
Zvika Oren
Zvika Oren links for Websites
Zika Oren
Zvika Oren’s: Tombstones – The Stories They Tell
Logan Kleinwak
Logan Kleinwaks-Benefits of using Genealogy Indexer June 15th 2025