Born in 1941?: What Else Happened?

For the Series. I was born in 1934 so that I can remember well a great deal of what went on around me from 1939 onwards. But of course the bulk of this books material came from research. That meant that I spent many hours in front of a computer reading electronic versions of newspapers magazines Hansard Ministers Press releases and the like. My task was to sift out day-by-day those stories and events that would be of interest to the most readers. Then I supplemented these with materials from books broadcasts memoirs biographies government reports and statistics. And I talked to old-timers one-on-one and in organised groups and to Baby Boomers about their recollections. People with stories to tell came out of the woodwork and talked no end about the tragic and funny and commonplace events that have shaped their lives.I think I have covered most of the major issues that people then were interested in. On the other hand in some cases I have dwelt a little on minor frivolous matters perhaps to the detriment of more sober considerations. Still in the long run this makes the book more readable and hopefully it will convey adequately the spirit of the times. In 1941 in Europe Hitler made his biggest mistake in the War when he invaded Russia. Churchill made his own big mistake when he sent Australian troops to the slaughter in Greece and Crete. In the Pacific Japan was getting more frustrated as America cut off her resources by blockades. In Oz we ignored obvious signs of imminent war and were shocked to the core when the Japs bombed Pearl Harbour in December. A Pacific War started and Hitler made his second biggest blunder by siding with Japan. We in Australia could not believe that our own shores were under threat. Overall I expect I can make you wonder remember rage and giggle and I hope that you and your family will find some comfort in the realisation that no matter how new and novel a current situation is to you it has all happened often before. In 1941 in Europe Hitler made his biggest mistake in the War when he invaded Russia. Churchill made his own big mistake when he sent Australian troops to the slaughter in Greece and Crete. In the Pacific Japan was getting more frustrated as America cut off her resources by blockades. In Oz we ignored obvious signs of imminent war and were shocked to the core when the Japs bombed Pearl Harbour in December. A Pacific War started and Hitler made his second biggest blunder by siding with Japan. We in Australia could not believe that our own shores were under threat.