80 years after WWII: 96-year-old war bride and atomic bomb survivor shares her memories

Japanese War bride Tess

A 96-Year-Old Japanese War Bride’s Tess reflects on the vivid memories she holds close to her heart. Credit: Tetsuko McKenzi

96-year-old Tess, who grew up in Hiroshima, narrowly escaped death on the day of the atomic bombing by missing a train. After the war, she met an Australian soldier at a military base of the occupation army and later moved to Melbourne as his bride. “I never thought I would fall in love with a soldier from another country,” she says. “But I have no regrets.” Now, 80 years after the war, her memories remain vivid, and she continues to share her powerful story.


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