Sandra and the Flying Elephants of Belfast

“My family grew up listening to our mother’s stories of living in Northern Ireland during the Second World War, and to us, her stories, like being strafed by a plane during the Belfast blitz, were common knowledge. We never realised at the time just how important or unique those stories were...”

Before William James Hanna leaves to fight in the Second World War, he gives his young daughter Sandra the task of looking after her younger brother Billy. Sandra takes this commission on, but in doing so, has to survive being bombed and strafed by the Nazis, being burnt and drowned, and on top of all that, even has to deal with her hair turning green!

Amidst the seriousness of war, her story is filled with gems, like ducks with wooden legs, Irish nuns hiding butter, a donkey sitting in front of the fire like a part of the family, and many other stories that are both funny and heartwarming.

Sandra and the Flying Elephants of Belfast is the true story of Darrin Wedlock’s mother. It is not only a book about family, caring, loyalty and goodness, but ultimately, is a story of a little girl with green hair, who went on to accomplish one of the most important roles in life, being a great Mother.

Sandra and the Flying Elephants of Belfast will appeal to those looking for an uplifting, sometimes poignant and often humorous tale.

Darrin Wedlock currently resides in Dunedin, New Zealand. Like his Mother Sandra, Darrin is a painter and not only enjoys a good laugh, but enjoys making people laugh.