Ebook: Fighters from the fringe : Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders recall the Second World War

Thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander took part in the Second World War. This book focuses on the experiences of six Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served their country during the Second World War. Oodgeroo Noonuccal was a wireless operator whose brothers were prisoners of war. Reg Saunders served in Greece and New Guinea, as the first Aboriginal officer in the Australian Army, and later in Korea. Leonard Waters trained and served as the first Aboriginal fighter pilot. Charles Mene, a Torres Strait Islander, served throughout the war and was awarded the Military Medal in the Korean War. Saulo Waia, a pearl fisher, defended the Strait with fellow soldiers while non-indigenous people were evacuated. Other Islanders like Tom Lowah gave years of service and received lower pay than white servicemen.  Read more...