history
Serbia Fears Nothing
It is incredible how eloquently the 'mute witnesses' speak – archival material, letters, postcards, photographs, postmarks, postage stamps, in the hands of a careful researcher and scientist. In a new edition by Professor Dr. Milan Radovanović, from the 'Mute Witnesses' series, the work 'Serbian Refugees in Corsica (1915-1919)' has recently been published, by 'HEREedu', by this retired professor of mechanical engineering, a passionate researcher of Serbian history (with a special interest in the history of postal services, but also medicine), and a philatelist.
TL;DR
- The book 'Serbian Refugees in Corsica (1915-1919)' by Dr. Milan Radovanović utilizes archival materials and 'mute witnesses' like letters and photographs to reconstruct historical events.
- The work focuses on the human aspect of the war, showcasing acts of friendship and humanity in difficult circumstances, differentiating it from previous books by the author that focused more on war and military aspects.
- Post, in various forms, is presented as a crucial element in the lives of soldiers and their families, influencing morale and facilitating communication amidst the war.
- Over 40,000 refugees traveled from Serbia through Montenegro and Albania, with many eventually reaching France, Tunisia, Bizerte, and England, supported by various international entities.
- The Kingdom of Serbia demonstrated remarkable organization in caring for refugees, establishing committees and ensuring services like schools and postal systems functioned.
- French aid was significant, providing refugees with comfortable living conditions in Corsica, complemented by a hospital run by Scottish women and the Serbian Support Fund established in London.
- Postcards and photographs serve as fragments of life, revealing the broader international support systems, military logistics, and local administration that developed during WWI.
- The book offers insight into the subjective experience of displacement, institutional functioning during wartime, and the communication networks that sustained refugees.