Sharon Evans Marketing & Communications www.bigskypublishing.com.au
New Book: In an Australian Literary first, 130 Military families from all branches of the Australian Defence Force, offer a moving insight into their lives in war and peace.
“We hope this book will spark an interest in the human side of the military story and that researchers will realise that there is a wealth of untapped information within families that should be gathered before it is lost – not only does it add to our military history – it is also an important part of our social history. Perhaps ANZAC Day 2013 can include the stories of those serving away and those waiting at home – showing both sides of the same time in history.”
Poignant and often humorous the 130 never before published cartoons and stories featured in Here, There & Away celebrate the love and support given by and to members of the wider defence family. This unique compilation spans the three branches of the Australian Defence Force and encompasses the period from World War I to more recent times. The stories often also reflect many aspects of the wider social context of the time and offer a fresh and unique perspective of what defence family life once was and the challenges for defence families..
Compiled by Annette Sadler, Judy Rule and Dawn Laing three Canberra members of the Defence Widows Support Group for the Defence Widows Support Group (DFWS) – ACT their affinity with the topic is close to their heart.
This unique collection book captures within its pages stories that for some have never been told – the stories of not only their husbands at war but their own time either posted overseas or waiting back at home – and others that without the work of the DFWS, many would have remained that way. Compiled over two years, the stories where collected through interviews, email and of course the post – the time and effort by all was intensive and appreciated by those who had their stories
Here, There & Away a social history of the times. There will be stories that will make you laugh or cry but beyond that many that will surprise and highlight how important this book is in Australia’s military history. In their research, which was extremely hands on, Annette, Judith and Dawn found moments that even with their own defence family history surprised them.
“We all suspected that family life between the three branches was very different and it was great to have this confirmed. We have learnt a lot but the big surprise was the major differences in experiences within branches, particularly within the army. Many of us were fortunate enough to have an overseas posting (in some cases postings) and we have stories about postings in the UK, Berlin, USA, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Malaya. The latter was a complete surprise to us. We had not appreciated the fact that families actually went into the war zone – they were camp followers. We understand that this is the only time it has happened in the history of the Australian Defence Force and we don’t think many are aware of it. We have devoted a separate chapter to the Malayan Emergency and suggest it will be a real eye opener for everyone.”
The majority of stories are not written by professional writers but they demonstrate our innate ability to story tell and the desire to be heard.
The 130 stories are told with the grace and humour of people looking back, on the ups and downs for military families in peace and war. They highlight the impact of a military career on the life of the family and the resilience of defence families and the variety of their experiences.
Here, There and Away highlights not only what has changed but also that which pretty much the same.
This collection is an important contribution to Australian social and military history, and an entertaining and uplifting book for readers of all ages.
