Book highlights traumatic history of UK child migrants to WA
A new book by a Wheatbelt author shines a spotlight on the abuse endured by WA's child migrants at the hands of the Christian Brothers and others.
Norman Johno Johnston endured a traumatic history as a child migrant from the United Kingdom to Western Australia (WA). His biography, co-written by his former wife Kathleen O'Reilly Johnston, sheds light on the brutal abuse he faced at the hands of the Christian Brothers. At seven years old, Johnston was one of thousands of children sent from an orphanage to aid in Australia's post-World War II reconstruction efforts.
Over six years at two institutions, he endured severe abuse, including daily floggings and near-drownings. After leaving school at 15, he was forced to work on a farm for minimal pay, eventually joining the army and serving in Vietnam. Johnston's wife, Kathleen, felt compelled for years to document his story, meticulously cross-referencing memories with historical evidence.
Despite Johnston's initial reluctance, she persevered, believing it crucial to share the truth about this chapter in WA's history. The book, released during Child Protection Week, highlights the abuse and suffering endured by Johnston and many others in similar circumstances.
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