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History of the Movement

The Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora (Pokret), a World War II veterans association, was founded 1954 by former combatants from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Having no desire to remain in communist Yugoslavia these veterans, along with many families, elected to cross into northern Italy at the conclusion of World War II and eventually settled in Western Europe, North America, and Australia (see facts and dates below).

Over the past 70 years many members have dedicated their time, expertise and financial resources to establish and maintain the Pokret. Without exception, we thank all our office bearers, past and present, for their contribution, whose details can be viewed at Pokret Office Bearers in Australia 1954 to 2024 If there are any errors or omissions please let us know.

If you would like to upload your photos or documents, please use the “Submit Content” link. Our sincere thanks to all who have, to date, contributed to this project.

Key Facts about the Pokret

  • Serbian uprising at Ravna Gora under the leadership of Gen. Draža Mihailović. The first Allied resistance movement in occupied Europe.

    1941, 6th May

  • Uprising in Krajina (tri-border region of Bosnia, Dalmatia & Lika) by the Dinaric Chetnik Division (DCD) under the leadership of Fr Momčilo Đujić (later given the title of Field Marshal Vojvoda 1942).

    1941, 27th July

  • resistance war and civil war, following the capitulation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Serbian forces confront Partisans, Ustashi, Fascists & Nazis.

    1941-1945

  • DCD surrender of arms to the Allies at Palmanova, Italy.

    1945, 5th May

  • displaced DCD combatants and others in displaced persons camps at Ćesena and Eboli in Italy.

    1945 –1947

  • Majority of DCD and civilians moved to other displaced persons camps in Germany including Munster, Bocholt, Grossenbrode and others.

    1948

  • Resettled Serbs, “the wartime generation” start exodus to England, France, Germany, USA, Canada and Australia.

    1948 – 1950

  • Founding of the Organisation of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora in Chicago USA, under the leadership of Vojvoda Momčilo Đujić and Vojvoda Dobrosav Jevđević.

    1952

  • Sydney suburb of Mona Vale - Founding of Organisation of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora in Australia. Later (15th April 1958) renamed, The Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravne Gore.

    1954, 18th April

  • Schism in the Serbian Orthodox Church mostly confined to USA and Australia.

    1963 – 1965

  • From December 1965 to March 1966 Vojvoda Momčilo Đujić's first visit to Australia.

    1965 – 1966

  • In February the purchase of land at Bonnyrigg for £4500.

    1966

  • "Chetnik Cabin” (Koliba) opened in July and tragically destroyed by fire in the early morning of 7 October.

    1972

  • Plans drawn and construction begun on building the Serbian Centre.

    1979 – 1985

  • Financial crisis overcome by successful fund-raising effort leading to repayment of loan of $450,000.

    1994

  • in his 92nd year Vojvoda Momčilo Đujić dies on 11 September at San Marcos California.

    1999

  • Purchase of 3-acre parcel of land on the western boundary for $950,000.

    2001

  • Plans prepared for renovation and additions.

    2003

  • Official opening of renovated club.

    2005, October 2

  • 60th Anniversary celebration and commencement of stage two renovations.

    2014

  • Development Application approved for gymnasium, service station and fast-food outlet.

    2020

  • Construction begins on commercial development project.

    2023

  • Movement's 70th Anniversary celebrations.

    2024

A Journey Through History

A World War II Veterans association, the Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora was formed in 1954 and was created by former combatants of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Photos

More than a thousand photographs throughout the decades. If you can add to this historical archive, please use the “Submit Your Content” button.

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Documents

Many hundreds of documents have been scanned and are now digitally preserved. If you have historical documents, please let us know or use the “Submit Your Content” link.

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Videos

Today we have archived more video content than ever before. If you have something unique, please upload it. If by chance you have Super 8 video footage maybe, it’s time to convert it too digital.

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Stories

We all have some memories of Bonnyrigg, the land, the Koliba, picnics, zabave, folkloric festivals, renovations and many other events. Let us know your story or share the website with others!

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