{"product_id":"charlies-swim-by-edith-wright-9781922613103","title":"Charlie's Swim","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge range 9 to 12\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring WWII, after the Japanese invasion of Java, more than 1,000 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\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCharlie's Swim\u003c\/em\u003e is 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\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\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne morning Charlie was working inside a seaplane. He suddenly heard planes flying overhead, and they seemed incredibly low. Charlie went outside. When he looked up he saw enemy planes swooping towards the bay.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46809582108908,"sku":"9781922613103","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14542153482872.jpg?v=1757539384","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/products\/charlies-swim-by-edith-wright-9781922613103","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}