Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop

In November 1939, after the outbreak of World War Two, Weary signed up for the Australian Army. In April 1942, Weary and his men became prisoners of war.

P.O.W.s (prisoners of war) regarded Weary’s leadership against the Japanese prison guards as heroic, because he saved lives through his medical skills but also by taking risks. Weary was stoic about his own health, but negotiated on behalf of his men, persuading the Japanese it was in their interests to have a healthier prisoner workforce to build the railway. On his childhood farm, Weary learnt to make-do, so he became an excellent problem-solver, scrounging parts to build vital medical equipment in the prison camp or finding ways to build better latrines (toilets) to reduce infection. Later, he pioneered new types of surgery.

He didn’t blame. After the war, Weary returned to the former war zones, to teach medicine.

ISBN: 9781921042706
Author: Hazel Edwards
Illustrator: Pat Reynolds
Publisher: New Frontier & distributed via New South

Formats: Paperback

Visit your local bookshop or online retailers have copies available – and you can purchase online:

The Aussie Heroes series aimed at readers 10+ introduces heroes who have contributed to Australian society.

New Frontier Aussie Heroes series include Weary Dunlop, Dr Fred Hollows  and Edith Cowan, the quiet woman of note.

What Makes a Hero? Discussion Activity Use these points to discuss your hero.

Hazel’s books are  listed as approved reading on Premiers’ Reading Challenges throughout Australia:

A bronze statue of Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop stands in Melbourne’s St Kilda Rd, King’s Domain Gardens.

On the steps leading to the sculpture are names of other doctors and medical staff who also cared for POWs.

The second sculpture is in the Benalla Gardens.

OAM Association Talk:
May 11th “Not Just a Piece of Cake: Being an Author” Will be on You Tube soon.

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Student Resources:
Crafting an assignment on Hazel Edwards? Get tips for school projects, and her uniquely answered questions.

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