The JvO Migrant tales: The story of Johannes van der Wielen

On August 14, 1952, 12-year-old Johannes van der Wielen set sail for Australia with his parents and brothers. The voyage on the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt was one big adventure for the teenager. Johannes, now 86, says he never had a dull moment on board and shares great anecdotes, including one about a "rocking" lifeboat.

Johannes van der Wielen (86) kwam als 12-jarig jongetje met de JvO naar Australië. Credit: DACC / Lisa van der Wielen

This interview is in English.

The Johan van Oldenbarnevelt was a well-known Dutch migrant ship. In the 50s and 60s of the last century, more than a hundred thousand people made the big crossing to Australia with this ship. In our series 'The JvO: Migrant Stories', Dutch Australians reminisce about their time on 'de Johan'.

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