Wolfgang Schmitt and his friend Billy Köster from the freighter the Pfalz, are captured in Melbourne three hours after Britain declares war on Germany, and find themselves packed off to a derelict gaol in the rundown village of Berrima. The gaol, notorious for its sadistic history and ghosts, quickly earns the name Castle Foreboding when eighty-nine mariners have to sleep in cells on the stone floor. But it takes more than a miserable start to daunt these storm weathered sailors. This remarkable story is based on a series of real events that took place during World War One. While the sword devoured Europe, the internees built huts along the river, made boats, had a theatre and orchestra, and turned the surrounding countryside into a Garden of Eden. When six of the wives and their children take up residence in the village, the sailors make toys for Christmas, paint Easter eggs, and decorate the courthouse for the Machotka baby's christening. It is not all fun and games, however, spirits lag as the war drags on and loved ones die. There is a fight, a couple of escapes, and the Battle of Pooh. Through the ups and downs, the moonshiners keep turning their jam rations into booze while others smuggle whisky over the prison wall at night. As the war progresses hatred rises, but in a two-mile spot radiating from the gaol, Australians, Germans, and guards, forget they are enemies. Together they rescue a horse from a cistern, save the village from bush fires, and grow giant tomatoes. One of the few positive stories of the first world war. The Berrima POW Camp gives new meaning to the term the Great War and is a badge of honour on Australia's sleeve.

Wendy HamiltonThe third child of Bill and Irene Treadgold, Wendy loves making plans and having adventures. Following in her Aunty Frances' footsteps Wendy pursued a career in education, working as a classroom teacher (elementary and primary), Learning Support teacher, Special Education Coordinator /Case Manager, Counselor and coach (track and field, field hockey). During this 37-year span Wendy and her husband raised three delightful children in different B.C. locals where a lake, a ski hill, tennis courts and a golf course were always close at hand. Currently residing in Balfour B.C. with beautiful views of Kootenay Lake and the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain Ranges, Wendy is living her retirement dream with her husband of 45 years - travelling, golfing, boating, skiing, gardening, socializing with friends, and grand-parenting their amazing 7 grandchildren. Carpe diem!This is Wendy's first foray into book writing. Catherine PavlikCathie Pavlik, the fifth child of Bill and Irene Treadgold, was born and raised in a special time in Kelowna, B.C. Cathie was fortunate to be given a wide variety of learning opportunities which serve her well to this day. After attending Kelowna Secondary School and competing in many sports, she left her hometown as one of the first women to receive a full athletic scholarship (field hockey) at Washington State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (Minors in Health and Business). Following university, Cathie became a devoted teacher and coach at KLO Secondary/École KLO Middle School in Kelowna for 35 years. She advocated for individualized learning practices as well as developed and supported initiatives for healthy lifestyles in and outside the school. Cathie and her husband, Dave, also raised their two wonderful children, and when their kids went to university, Cathie obtained her Masters of Science in Education at the University of New England. Now in retirement, Cathie enjoys spending time with her grandchild, friends and family, volunteering, taking courses, skiing, boating, travelling, gardening, and having that second cup of coffee at her leisure.Cathie lives by the motto "work hard, have fun, be safe."