Author Talk - Untold story of Nikkei Australian Harry Koba Freame

From a samurai upbringing to spy for Australia:

The story of Harry Freame

Harry Freame was the first Australian soldier to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Gallipoli. He risked his life again and again to scout the battlefield, reporting invaluable intelligence and relieving stranded soldiers. Few knew that Harry was half Japanese - real name Wykeham Henry Koba Freame - born in Japan in 1885 and raised in a samurai household.

In the inter-war years, Harry was a successful orchardist in the New England region. However in the lead-up to World War II, Harry was recruited into Australian intelligence and sent to Japan. Not long after his arrival in Tokyo in 1941, he was reportedly attacked. He died a few weeks later back in Australia, and is buried in Macquarie Park Cemetery.

Author Ryan Butta has discovered more of the untold story of Harry Freame. His recently released book, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli is a fascinating investigation into an eventful life and a grievous historical wrong.

We are pleased to welcome Ryan to talk us through his research into the story of Harry Freame.

Registrations are now open HERE. The author talk will be followed by networking over drinks.

AUTHOR BIO

Ryan Butta is a writer of feature articles and historical nonfiction. Through his books he looks to reveal the hidden and forgotten stories of Australia and the Australians who came across the seas to make their home here. His first book, The Ballad of Abdul Wade, was the story of a pioneering cameleer who first brought camels to the outback.