Flora's War by Pamela Rushby

Flora Wentworth is in Cairo with her archaeologist father. She has just turned 16 and is now officially ‘grown up’. She is enjoying parties, picnics and shopping for new clothes. She is delighted when her father gives permission for her to learn to drive.

 

But it is 1915 and the realities of World War 1 begin to hit home. Although Cairo is many miles away from the battlefield a flood of wounded soldiers are shipped to the city from Gallipoli. Flora’s comfortable life is turned upside down and she is challenged in ways she could never have imagined.

 

Although the Gallipoli campaign in World War 1 is well documented ‘Flora’s War’ tells another side of the story. Flora is a fictional character but the context is real. Many Cairo buildings were taken over to become hospitals, and civilian volunteers helped overburdened and exhausted medical personnel cope with the huge number of injured soldiers. Flora’s War is a fascinating glimpse into a little known aspect of ANZAC history and a heartfelt story of a young woman facing up to the shocking realities of war.