The end of the Second World War heralded one of the largest mass migrations
ever seen from Europe. Millions left their homelands for new horizons, and
Britain was no exception. Australia, like New Zealand and Canada, needed many
thousands of new workers so that it could grow and prosper. British and
Australian governments collaborated to offer 'assisted passages', effectively
subsidising the fare so that emigrants would pay a maximum of £10.
Ships such as the 'Asturias', 'Georgie', 'Canberra', 'Oraiana', and 'Britania'
and a whole fleet of vessels were employed to take people to their new homes on
the other side of the world. Companies such as Chandris and P&O made small
fortunes on these voyages which peaked in the 1960s but continued into the
1970s.
Australia benefited by taking skilled workers from the Old World and
sometimes even the crew jumped ship to take advantages of opportunities in the
New World.
Geoff Lunn tells the fascinating history of these mass emigrations, using
interviews with emigrants to bring the story to life.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. One Way Fare
2. Early Years
3. The Longest Voyage
4. And the Crew Went Too
5. Liner Luxuries
6. To Stay or Return?
7. Final Sailings
8. What Happened to ...?
Index
