Manu is in awe when his Poppa shows him a medal. He wants to know what it is, and why he has it? Especially when Poppa tells him a King gave it to him.

With his grandson hanging on every word, Poppa tells him of a time many years before, during World War II. It was 1941 in fact, when Nazi Germany invaded a country far away.

Greece had the help of the Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), but they couldn’t defend the tiny country against hundreds of German paratroopers parachuting down upon them. Poppa explains a very important job his platoon was given. They had to get the King of Greece and his family to safety.

It wasn’t an easy task, with German soldiers and possible spies everywhere. Planes fly low overhead, bullets whine past them, and the hot sun beats down as they trek for miles.

There was much courage on their mission and kindness too as Greek villagers helped their King and his protectors. All is uncertain. Will they get to the coast? Will they be rescued or left behind?

Maria Gill has done it again, finding another exciting but not well known story of courage and loyalty in our history. This creative non-fiction is based on true events that happened between 20-23 May 1941 in Greece.

12 Platoon of B Company, 18th Battalion are the heroes of this tale. At the rear of the book is a double page spread giving more background information and displaying the four different kinds of medals awarded to these Anzacs.

The personal details shared in this story bring it alive. Whether it be where they slept, how a village boy personally helped the King, or sunburnt lips from the blazing Greek sun.

Alastair Hughes’ illustration depicts the action including the onslaught of German paratroopers, and simple village life as this platoon continues its important mission.

Author – Maria Gill

Illustrator – Alastair Hughes

Picture Book – 6+

Read more reviews of Maria Gill’s Creative Non-Fiction (Click on a Cover)

(2021, Upstart Press, War, NZ, New Zealand, ANZAC, Historical, History, Greece, King of Greece, Rescue mission, Soldiers, Army, Navy, Courage, Daring, Enemy, Parachutes, Dangerous, Spies, Disguise, Action)