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This series tells the story of UNRRA, The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, the first and largest international aid effort in human history. It's told through the eyes and letters of one of its staff, 29 year old Australian girl, Betty Souter. Few people now living have ever heard of UNRRA or the extraordinary urgent work it performed as the tide of World War 2 turned in favour of the allied nations. Millions upon countless millions of people were displaced, starving and homeless. They had no water, no power, and no hope. Interestingly, It’s a story that’s just as relevant today as our world faces its own challenges of political divisions, inequities, hunger, pandemic, and impending displacements of whole populations due to changing climate and rising sea levels.
Episodes
Friday Oct 08, 2021
Friday Oct 08, 2021
There were big doings in the Nanchang house last night. Calling the fire brigade is not so easy. More of a process really. But the fire is eventually extinguished and hangovers earned in its aftermath. (Image: Tiffin, a light snack, aboard a typical family junk)
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Bet chats with her baby sister, Marcelle, about Nanchang life, learning to ride a bicycle, growing concerns about a civil war, and yes, Hank. (Image: Marj Bloch and the UNRRA bicycle)
Sunday Oct 03, 2021
Sunday Oct 03, 2021
Bet's in a chatty mood, although missing Hank. She has come to realise that what is hers, is Marj's, and what's Marj's is hers. (Image: Ricksha shennanigans. Hank towing Bet on laps around UNRRA House, Nanchang)
Friday Oct 01, 2021
Friday Oct 01, 2021
A short letter today to Bet's Godmother. It's also the day the Nuremburg Nazi war crimes trial on the other side of the world begins handing down judgement. (Image: Loading a truck onto the Nanchang - Kuichang 'ferry'.)
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Monday Sep 27, 2021
This episode finds Betty in a homesick, melancholy and reflective mood. A short letter, but an apparently healing one. (Image: The temporary pontoon bridge at Kao-an, referred to last episode)
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
The whole city of Nanchang is abuzz with excitement. Maybe, just maybe, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, President of the Republic of China, will actually visit today. Then again, maybe not. Bet begins by describing a road trip to devastated Kao-an to investigate reports of black market dealings. Her story is interrupted by ... (Image: Generalissimo Chaing Kai-shek arrives in Nanchang)
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Friday Sep 17, 2021
More news from Bet as cool weather finally arrives in Nanchang. We also learn that her position in Kiangsi province is at risk. (Image: "Structures such as this are erected in memory of widows who committed suicide rather than re-marry or live a single life. The 'suicide' is effected by the widow's father or eldest brother who supervises the hanging! The custom has been given up!! BMS adding to the scenery. Nanchang Septr '46")
Saturday Sep 11, 2021
Saturday Sep 11, 2021
Bet is in a very cheerful and chatty mood having just returned from a 7 day vacation in a much cooler Ku-ling, high in the mountains. It's a wild ride in a sedan chair up the mountain, but well worth the fright. (Image: An obviously happy Betty and Hank at a rest pause in the sedan chair climb up the mountain.)
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Bet's rediscovering her sense of humour. Tales of road trips, flat tyres, bandits, and scared soldiers are just some of the fun. Eustace the rat is getting annoying, and Bet takes part in a survey of the Nanchang - Kian road. (Image: From L - Keith Kestevan, Hank and Dr Bob Reisinger on the survey)
Friday Aug 20, 2021
Friday Aug 20, 2021
Bet again writes to her Godmother, Edith Thompson, with tales of romance, dinners, and rumours her service might be extended by a further 9 months. (Image: Bet's caption handwritten on the back of the photograph says it all. "Yes! This is the famous sea wall!! On the right near the big tree is the romantic spot. Silhouettes in this snap are Marj & Sully')
