<p>Betty is sporting a bright heat rash to hide her yellow Atebrin complexion. She visits the local medical school, describes bridge works in downtown Nanchang, lines up a dance party, and laments the absence of beer supplies. (Image: A Japanese Prisoner of War sleeping on the job. Kind of underscores how recently the war ended!)</p>

Betty is sporting a bright heat rash to hide her yellow Atebrin complexion. She visits the local medical school, describes bridge works in downtown Nanchang, lines up a dance party, and laments the absence of beer supplies. (Image: A Japanese Prisoner of War sleeping on the job. Kind of underscores how recently the war ended!)

Episode 24 - 20 July 1946: Thunder Gods and scratchy dance records

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.

History

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.

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Episode 24 - 20 July 1946: Thunder Gods and scratchy dance records

Episode 24 - 20 July 1946: Thunder Gods and scratchy dance records