{"product_id":"charlies-swim","title":"Charlie's Swim","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNOTABLE, 2023 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS, EVE POWNALL AWARD\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring WWII after the Japanese invasion of Java, more than 1000 refugees from the Dutch East Indies, many in flying boats, passed through Broome, which was a major refuelling point and a significant Allied military base. On 3 March 1942 Broome was attacked by Japanese fighter planes, killing at least 88 civilians and Allied military personnel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCharlie’s Swim\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis based on the true story of the author’s Uncle Charlie (Charles D’Antoine) who was working inside a flying boat when the attack began. In the midst of flying bullets, blazing fires and sharks, Charlie saw a woman and child desperately trying to keep afloat and without hesitation went to their rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1944, Charlie was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia in recognition of his efforts and he was awarded four medals for bravery from the Dutch government. It took a further 80 years for the Australian government and military to formally recognise this bravery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Edith Wright, Charmaine Ledden-Lewis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55100354363671,"sku":"9781922613103","price":27.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0818\/9132\/8279\/files\/9781922613103.jpg?v=1788320327","url":"https:\/\/amplifybookstore.com\/products\/charlies-swim","provider":"Amplify Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}