Charlie's SwimAge range 9 to 12 During WWII, after the Japanese invasion of Java, more than 1,000 refugees from the Dutch East Indies, many in flying boats, passed through Broome, which was a major refuelling point and a significant Allied military base. On 3 March 1942, Broome was attacked by Japanese fighter planes, killing at least 88 civilians and Allied military personnel. Charlie's Swim is based on the true story of the author's Uncle Charlie (Charles