Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop

‘What makes a hero?’ makes this book especially relevant for young readers to discuss with their families who may remember ‘Weary’ personally.

‘Weary’ explores why this wartime surgeon and rugby-player, is so well regarded. Melbourne born, farm boy ‘Weary’ was fascinated by medical science and sport. ‘Weary’ was his nickname. He was a very energetic man who took risks, but was compassionate.

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 other historical books include ‘Antarctic Close Up’ about the Mawson expedition.
How To Write History for Kids, in Non Boring Ways
Writing about Weary for 8-13 year_olds.
From Hippos to Histories: Blog Interview about the ‘Weary’ research process
The Looking Glass: Writing Non Boring Junior History & Heroes activity.

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.

abc_radio_krista_bell_reviewing_weary.doc ‘written in child-friendly mode’.
Weary’ write up a ripping read – Herald Sun Weekender, March 26, 2011
Buzz Words Review ‘This series allows young children to access information.’
Kids Book Reviews Anzac Day recommended reading
Aussie Reviews.com ‘A well rounded summary of a remarkable man.’
KidsBookReview ‘This is the essence of educational adventuring and it’s addictive’ Jo Burnell
The Book Chook: “Boys in particular will enjoy reading about Dunlop’s sporting prowess.’
New Frontier Publisher Blog Relative Heroes and sharing an author’s poignant moment.
Read Plus: child friendly
My Little Bookcase recommended junior history book list
NSW Assoc for Gifted & Talented reminds readers that heroes were once children. A very readable account