"Golden Peaches, Long Life" by Elizabeth Doery

I was born on 12th March 1930 into a minority Eurasian community in Hong Kong. In mid 1941 my younger brother John and I came to White Australia 'Through the Back Door'; my mother had arranged a visa for us from the Australian immigration officer. A Scottish mother with three daughters had been evacuated from Hong Kong the year before. She was Mary King and she became our guardian for the ensuing four years.

Hong Kong was attacked on Pearl Harbour Day 8th December 1941 and capitulated to the Japanese invasion 18 days later. John and I were cut off from our parents for nearly four years. During this time there was scant communication through the International Red Cross because our parents were made prisoners of war.

My brother and I were integrated into the Australian community and we have made our homes in our refuge.

Australia has indeed been a safe haven and now, in 2010 I relate the story of my background and my life.