Walking in their Boots traces the history of Italian prisoners of war in Queensland, Australia and tells the stories of a time when POWs worked on our farms. A temporary refrain from like behind barbwire fences, friendships were forged and lasting memories remain clear over seven decades later. The Italians left their footprints in the landscape and in the memories of Queenslanders.
Over 1500 Italian prisoners of war, captured in the battlefields of north Africa, came to Queensland in Australia during World War 2. The Italians provided a much needed workforce for farmers throughout nine south-east Queenlsand districts. Additionally, 250 Italians worked at the Commonwealth Vegetable Farm on the Burdekin River, to supply fresh produce to the north's military forces. Queensland farming families welcomed the Italians onto their farms and into their homes.