A Carefree War

Discover the untold stories of Australian child evacuees during World War II in "A Carefree War." Order now from the military specialists to uncover the hidden history of this significant upheaval in Australia's past.

As Australia faced the threat of invasion by the Japanese, fear gripped the nation. Despite heavy government censorship, many believed that the danger was imminent. With submarines in Sydney Harbour, Japanese planes overhead, and harassment on the coastline, Australians were anxious for their safety.

In response, concerned parents made the difficult decision to send their children away, often unaccompanied, to friends, relatives, or even strangers in "safer" parts of the country. Some children had little understanding of the situation and thought they were going on a holiday to the countryside.

Author Ann Howard, herself an evacuee during World War II, sheds light on this hidden history. Through extensive research and firsthand accounts from the evacuees, Howard captures the mood of the time and the social and political environment they lived in. Unlike their UK counterparts, many Australian child evacuees experienced a surprisingly happy time during their enforced "holiday."

"A Carefree War" combines oral memoirs and box camera photos to paint a vivid picture of wartime Australia. Over one hundred contributors share their voices, providing a unique perspective on the fear, chaos, and impact of the war on civilians. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into a war that forever changed the Australian way of life.

About the Author:

Ann Howard is an adventurous traveller and writer who brings her enthusiasm to her work. She has explored the Sumatran jungle on elephants, climbed Anak Krakatoa during an eruption, and made a daring free-fall from a plane. When she's not writing, Ann enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, appreciating her partner's musical talent, and indulging in a good single malt. She resides in a beautifully restored heritage house on Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury River, where her prize-winning local histories are highly regarded.