The boys

[happy daze john in oz]

On the Tv last night there was a man, now 91, who had been one of the original Dunera Boys.
Along with a few others they have produced a book about the events of that time.

When England declared war on Germany a large number of refugees, many of whom where of Jewish origin, were allowed into England.

But Churchill considered some of them to be a problem, some may be infiltrating spies or worse, so they will not be allowed to stay.

They were put aboard the HMT Dunera and sent to Australia.
This was the biggest single intake in Australia since the days of transportation.

Some returned to the UK and joined the Army, after which many again returned the Australia.

They became known as the Dunera Boys.

Below is a sample of the story as in Wikipedia.

Through her next deployment Dunera became involved in a notorious voyage. After Britain declared war on Germany the government set up aliens tribunals to distinguish Nazi sympathisers from refugees who had fled from Nazism. As a result, 568 were classified as unreliable, 6,800 were left at liberty but subject to restrictions, and 65,000 were regarded as "friendly". However, after the fall of France, the loss of the Low Countries and Italy's declaration of war, Britain stood alone against the spread of fascism and anxieties became acute. In what Winston Churchill later regretted as "a deplorable and regrettable mistake," all Austrians and Germans, and many Italians, were suspected of being enemy agents, potentially helping to plan the invasion of Britain, and a decision was made to deport them. Canada agreed to take some of them and Australia others, though, "not since the middle of the nineteenth century had Australia received the unwanted of Britain transported across the world for the purpose of deportation..

[Keith at Tregenna]

More at:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10409026

[happy daze john in oz]

Had I wished to put that BBC article onsite I would have done so.
I left the posting open so those who sailed may if they wish reply.

You have a habit of posting your C&P on almost all postings on site.

May I suggest that on postings that are not yours that you MYOB.

Thank you.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Others maybe interested as General Interest
Trivia and Interesting Stuff.

A link is only opened for further info if the person wishes to.

Also, simply gives a bit more info, that's all.

(I would not be as rude as you to another member.)

K.

.