Uncle Charlie: The Invisible Hero

On 3 March 1942, Japanese Zero fighter planes launched a devastating air raid on Broome, Western Australia. Charles D’Antoine, a young Indigenous man, was cleaning flying boats in Roebuck Bay when the bombs fell. Amid the chaos, Charles known to his loved ones as Uncle Charlie, saved the lives of three Dutch citizens. For his bravery, he was awarded a Silver Medal by the Dutch government. But why was this act of heroism never officially recognised by Australia? Over three episodes, SBS Dutch journalist Paulien Roessink speaks with historians, community members, survivors, and descendants to explore the impact of the attack—and why Uncle Charlie's heroism was not acknowledged. SBS Dutch and NITV Radio bring you a series that asks what it means to be acknowledged, and why some acts of courage are celebrated while others are forgotten.