Dragoljub (Draza) Mihailovic was a great Serbian general who led the struggle against the Nazi occupiers of Yugoslavia during World War II. He and his Chetniks formed the first organised group to fight a guerilla war against the Germans in occupied Europe. By their actions they caused the German army to divert a significant effort to suppress the Balkans, thereby delaying their advance upon Russia. He is remembered for his utter faithfulness to the cause of freedom and democracy, ultimately giving his life for his ideals. The Serbian community of St George based at the Canberra suburb of Forrest commemorates his life and maintains his memory alive through activities at the Draza Mihailovic Community Centre.

Read about Draza's fight for freedom in Thomas Kazich's excellent history Serbs in Australia

Blessing of the memorial foundations. From left: Nole Bogdanovic, Radonja Vesic, unknown, Radomir Urosevic (facing away), Fr. Boza Arcon, Aleksandar Kasikovic behind, unknown, Borivoje Petkovic, Bishop Dimitrije, Bata Kikic, Tomislav Matic (facing away), Ilse Tomic, Nedeljko Pavlovic, unknown, Mio Lazic. Child in front is Nada Kocic.

Erecting the statue in front of the Centre in the Canberra suburb of Forrest

from left: Marko Gajic, Nole Bogdanovic, unknown, unknown, unknown, Bata Kikic, unknown, Aleksandar Kasikovic, Stanimir Spasic, Nada Urosevic, unknown. Atop stand: Radomir Urosevic, Nedeljko Pavlovic

from left: Fr. Ilija Dragosavljevic, Bishop Nikanor, Fr. Jakov Jovic, Sreta Dragicevic, Nedeljko Pavlovic. Boy in front is Mihailo Dragicevic.

clergy from left:Fr. Zivota Petrovic, Fr. Boyan Popov, Fr. Constantin, Fr. Ilija Dragosavljevic, Bishop Nikanor, Fr. Grigorie Yevtich, Fr. Larar Caran

at table from left: Nedeljko Pavlovic, editor of Chetnik paper from Yugoslavia, Fr. Boyan Popov in background, Fr. Grigorie Jevtich in background, Bishop Nikanor, Fr. Ilija Dragosavljevic, Fr. Lazar Caran - monk from Skit of Protection of Mother of God, Fr. Jakon Zivota Petrovic from Cabramatta Church, Milorad Vekovic from New Kalenich, Nikola Brtljac

Playing of the last post. From left: unknown, Stevo Ilic, Mira Stefanovic and trumpet player unknown.

Sreta Dragicevic (president) announcing the wreath laying. From left: Mihailo Dragicevic, Sreta Dragicevic, Branko Zec (turned away), unknown, Nisa Stojanovic, Ilija Batar

Wreath laid by Nedeljko Pavlovic for Serbian Centre Draza Mihailovic.

Wreath laid by Marica Petkovic for "Kolo Srpski Sestara" and Folklore Group Draza Mihailovic. From left: Marica Petkovic, Milica Dragicevic, Milica Danilovic, Dajana Ivancevic, Koviljka Novakovic.

Wreath laid by Ravna Gora Association, Australia. Nikola Brtljac carrying wreath.

Web sites of interest:

A biography of Draza Mihailovic wikipedia article.
Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravne Gore
Record from the American Congress 19th November 1987.