Charlie's Swim

During WWII, after the Japanese invasion of Java, over 1000 refugees from the Dutch East Indies passed through Broome, a crucial refueling point and Allied military base. On March 3, 1942, Japanese fighter planes attacked Broome, resulting in the deaths of at least 88 civilians and Allied personnel. Charlie’s Swim is based on the true story of the author’s Uncle Charlie (Charles D’Antoine), who bravely rescued a woman and child amidst the chaos. In 1944, Charlie received a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia and four bravery medals from the Dutch government. Australian recognition came 80 years later.

By: Edith Wright

Cover: Hard

Pages: 32

Blurb:

One steamy morning during WWII, young Charie was cleaning one of the many flying boats in Roebuck Bay. The skies darkened and a wartime attack on Broome began. Enemy fighter planes shot at the flying boats and among the balzing fires, sharks and carnage, Charlie spied a mother and child desperately trying to keep afloat…

Based on a true story of wartime heroism.