Belgrade - On Friday, 8th November 2024, Serbia Post presented a commemorative stamp at the PTT Museum in Belgrade to mark the 110th anniversary of the Australian medical mission to Serbia during World War I. Officials from Serbia Post, the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and the Australian Embassy expressed hope that the release of these stamps would draw attention to an important part of shared history and deepen the understanding between the two countries.
Zoran Anđelković, acting director of Serbia Post, highlighted the significance of the event for strengthening ties between Serbia and Australia, while reminding of the selfless assistance Australia provided to Serbia during World War I. Đorđe Milićević, the Serbian Minister without Portfolio responsible for coordinating activities and measures related to diaspora relations, emphasised the importance of maintaining strong connections with the Serbian diaspora in Australia, which contributes to preserving Serbian identity. Australia's Ambassador to Belgrade, Daniel Emery, praised Serbia Post for the initiative, thanked them for presenting the stamps, and stressed the importance of remembering the contribution of Australian medical personnel during the war, as well as further strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
Medical personnel from Australia and New Zealand, known as the ANZAC medical mission, were among the first foreign teams to respond to Serbia’s call for help. The stamps feature doctors James Donaldson, Thomas Benbow, and Mary De Garis, nurse Ethel Gillingham, cook Miles Franklin, and ambulance driver Olive King.