As previously stated, I visited Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in March 2023. I had my research question. I was hoping to find some answers to one of my ancestors who had served in the British Army in the mid-1800s. Yes, he served time (maybe, the incorrect terminology) with the services as a Red Coat. He was in Victoria and Tasmania before he left the forces before returning to England – a Chelsea Pensioner! I am yet to write about him – he is my second great-grandfather on my father’s side of the family. As you can see, another story waiting in the wings.
The State Library Victoria has a website and the address is shown below:
The physical address of the site is 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
“Soldiers Bleed Too”
My visit to the library was very interesting. I found out about a book titled “Soldiers Bleed Too” written by Neil C. Smith. The library was one of the very few places that held a copy. I did join the library – online was the usual stumbling block re: having to be a Victorian resident. Going in person – no issue.
It certainly does help to attend venues in person rather than just dismiss it with online rules. The staff I interacted with were extremely helpful and were able to “order” the booklet I was after. I found the book an extremely useful resource. Sadly no original copies are available even via the author.
Read.
I did get to read the booklet – it had some very interesting information relating to the voyage my ancestor took from the northern hemisphere to get to Melbourne. Another interesting fact was that the soldiers who took part in the Goldfield riots, that is the Eureka Stockade, were also from the same regiment. My research records indicate that my ancestor may have been involved, but that’s part of his story. Of course, this opens up another set of questions and a visit to another site at a later date that is yet to be planned.
Dedicated Area.
I did find that the library had a large dedicated area for family history research. As you can imagine, it was busy. The staff members there who assisted me were very helpful.
Look Up.
The State Library has a bookshop and a café where I purchased lunch. This was where I went through my notes so I could work out what my next move would be relating to my research. The library building is huge. It was also extremely busy. The reason is inside of the building itself. It is very difficult to describe. You really have to be there to take it all in. Look up and see the view.
From Above.
Yet, another day.
Explore and Discover.
Ancestor Family 
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