John Monash (Monasch) born
in Melbourne, Australia on 27 June 1865, the son of
German Polish Jewish migrants, can be researched in any
military history encyclopaedia or in fact by just
‘Googling’ his name on the internet. His history
and list of achievements are long and far too many to detail
in this brief summary. However, might I say that reading his
history is well worth the effort and I can assure you that
his deeds will amaze you. I have found that the deeds are
better labelled on more than one man and in more than one
lifetime.
An
announcement was made in the weeks leading up to the
Centenary of ANZAC by Judy Landau, President VAJEX Aust.
She stated that it gave her great delight to announce
that VAJEX Aust (Victorian Association of Jewish Ex
& Servicemen & Women Australia Inc) has
successfully raised the required funds to build a new
Victorian Jewish Memorial after the style of the
historic Memorial located in the Jewish section of the
Melbourne General Cemetery. After an extensive two year
process, Judy has single-handedly sought letters of
support, raised the funds, and obtained approval from
the City of Port Phillip.
Maurice Smith 100
Maurice Smith (Szmitler) has celebrated his 100th birthday on the 15 th November 2023, we at VAJEX Australia are thrilled to be able to share this special moment with his family and friends and to wish him the best on this unique milestone.
Maurice was born on the 15 th of November 1923 to Samuel David Smith and Nina Smith (nee Langy). Maurice’s parents were also born in Melbourne with Nina’s paternal linkage going back to Portugal. Maurice had his Bar Mitzvah at the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in November 1936 officiated by Rabbi Brodie. and grew up and was educated in Melbourne.
At the age 19 Maurice enlisted, and in 1942 and was sent to Calgary Canada to train for the Air Corp, once he had achieved the required level of knowledge, he was sent to Montreal in 1944 to train other air crews.
Whilst in Canada Maurice was able to contact members of the Jewish community in each city who invited him to attend their Seders at their homes, he showed his ability by singing the traditional songs from the Haggadah but with an Australian Accent.
Maurice was transferred to England for combat duties in 1945 and assigned to the 9th Air Crew Holding Unit. Maurice attained the rank of Flight Sgt and became a Warrant Officer; his duties were as an Air Gunner and wireless operator. He first flew in Wellington Bombers and then transferred to Lancaster Bombers.
Maurice recounted his memories of the war, as Jew when they flew missions over Europe, he was to remove his dog tags that showed his religion as Jewish.
He recollects the fear in England from the German bombing especially the Buzz Bombs. At the end of the war Maurice was de mobbed in Perth in 1946. He worked as a manager in companies such as Colonial Mutual Life Insurance, The Weiss Foundation and as an Accountant for The Colliers Foundation Fund.
Pictured here with his son Ross Smith OAM and Marvin Bude President VAJEX Australia at this years Remembrance Commemoration