Edith Wright (text) and Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (illustrator), Charlie’s Swim, Magabala Books, March 2022, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922613103
The bombing of Broome and the bravery of World War II First Nations hero, Charlie D’Antonie, inspires Charlie’s Swim. Written by Charlie’s niece Edith Wright and illustrated by First Nations children’s artist Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, it is an important First Nations children’s picture book.
During WWII after the Japanese invasion of Java, more than 1000 refugees from the Dutch East Indies, many in flying boats, passed through Broome. Coastal Broome was a major refuelling point and significant Allied military base. On 3 March 1942 Broome was attacked by Japanese fighter planes, killing civilians and Allied military personnel.
I never knew that Japanese fighter planes attacked Broome. They killed at least 88 civilian and Allied Military personal and destroyed 22 aircraft. I never knew that Charlie D’Antoine, a Bardi man, risked his life to rescue a woman and child struggling in the sea. Based on true events in Broome on 3 March 1942, Charlie’s Swim is a moving story of courage and selflessness. Charlie D’Antoine, who was working inside a flying boat, saw a woman and child desperately trying to keep afloat. In the midst of flying bullets, blazing fires and sharks, and without hesitation, Charlie went to their rescue.
In 1944, Charlie was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia, and he was awarded four medals for bravery from the Dutch government.
It is suitable for readers aged 4 to 8 years.
Reviewed by Suzanne Gervay
