Origins of the Maurice family
The ancestors of Daniel Jadran Maurice are all from modern day Slovenia. While many relatives still live in Kozana, the family has also spread around the world
Read MoreFiltering by Tag: Mavrič
Old Kozana: Village and Family History intertwined
Kozana, a tiny village in the district of Brda on the present Slovenia-Italy border, was the home of both Ivan Mavrič and Danila Jakin. Indeed almost all of their ancestors for at least the last two hundred years were born, baptised, married and died in this village. The story of Kozana and the families who lived there helps explain why so many people from this region looked to a better life abroad.
Read MoreThe Austrian Connection of the Maurič family
Klagenfurt, Austria
To this day the Mavrič family has an ongoing Austrian connection through the Schumnik family and to the city of Klagenfurt, where the Schumnik family still lives.
Read MoreWW1, its aftermath and the Reja and Maurič families
Gorizia central square (Piazza della Vittoria), 1917 in the aftermath of fighting along the Isonzo front. Contrast this scene with the photo of the same square today, below
World War One involved bloody conflict around Gorizia, with a huge impact on the families of Brda. Both the Reja and Mavrič family were expelled to southern Italy, returning after the War to a Kozana which was now part of Italy.
Read MoreIvan Maurič at War
"Giovanni Mauri" (Ivan Maurič) in his Italian Army uniform, probably 1941. As the crest on his cap indicates Ivan served in the 33rd Infantry Regiment, part of the 4th Infantry Division.
Ivan Maurič was conscripted into the Italian army in January 1941 Over the next four years Ivan became a prisoner of war, switched sides in the conflict, serving in three different branches of the armed forces, and still never fired a shot in anger.
Read MoreA New Life as "New Australians"
Ivan and Danila with newborn son, Daniel, in the yard of their first house at Guildford, Sydney, Australia taken soon after leaving Villawood Migrant Hostel, late 1951
Ivan Maurič and Danila Jakin escaped from Yugoslavia in October 1949. Their subsequent journey to Australia in search of a better life echoed the story of thousands of other people displaced by World War and political changes in Eastern Europe.
Read MoreLife with Ivan - The Fishmonger who became a Builder
From Bonegilla and their first fish and chips shop to a career as a successful builder Ivan Mauric could be rightly proud of what he and Danila had achieved for themselves and their boys in their 47-year life in Australia.
Read MoreNew Kozana: Visiting the Home of Ivan and Danila today
Today Sleepy and peaceful Kozana is a beautiful place to visit. Of course it has a very special significance to the Maurice family.
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