ADELAIDE-based author Dr Helen Edwards has described the launch of her new book, On Gallant Wings, at Lake Boga as one of the best she’s ever had.
It was made all the more fitting that the book features the bombing of Darwin and its aftermath, the secret flying boat base at Lake Boga, the pigeons of the Australian Corp of Signals and the internment of Japanese Australians.
It’s a sweeping World War II adventure about family, courage and knowing when to break the rules, that shines a light on many little-known aspects of the war’s impact on Australians at home.
Dr Edwards launched the book on Anzac Day at Catalina Flying Boat Museum.
“We had been in the area for a few days, visiting schools at Echuca and Woorinen,” she said.
“The Lake Boga event was one of the best book launches I have ever had.
“We were overwhelmed with the response by locals and visitors to the museum.
“Thank you so much to everyone who came along, bought books and chatted with me.
“The thunderstorms held off, the chairs were full, and the fabulous Collins Booksellers Swan Hill sold out of books.”
Dr Edwards said there were many great questions and conversations had.
“There was an epic book signing line and delicious locally baked Anzac cookies and slices,” she said.
About the book
THIRTEEN-year-old Ava lives in Darwin with her family and their homing pigeons, of which Essie is Ava’s favourite.
A Japanese family live next door and their son, Kazuo, is Ava’s best and only real friend. Her father is serving overseas.
While Essie is taking her first flight, Ava overhears an argument between her mother, and her brother Fred, who has lied about his age to join the militia.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he trains in Darwin and later helps set up a pigeon service in Townsville. When most civilians are sent to safety down south, Ava remains in Darwin because her mother (who works in the post office) is essential to the war effort.
Later that day, military police take Kazuo and his family away in a truck to a holding camp – much to Ava’s distress – along with many other Japanese people who call Australia home.
On February 19, 1942, Darwin is bombed, and Ava and her mother are evacuated in a cattle train with the remaining women and children.
After a very difficult journey, they arrive, exhausted, at her grandparent’s home in Lake Boga, where they discover the extent of the damage to Darwin is being concealed from the population. Even those who were actually there know only part of the truth.
Desperate to do something to contribute to the war effort, Ava’s mother joins the WAAAF and begins work at the secret Catalina Flying Boat Base.
In the meantime, the authorities decide to transfer Kazuo to the men’s camp, separating him from his parents and siblings.
Living by rules and rituals has always been how Ava has felt safe, but when Kazuo escapes, she is faced with the hardest decision of all – whether to report a ‘potentially dangerous’ escapee to the authorities, or to protect a beloved friend.
