The secret Aussie plant that saved D-Day

The secret Aussie plant that saved D-Day

June 28, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how a specific Australian plant played a crucial role in treating seasick soldiers during D-Day, highlighting Indigenous Australian knowledge.

D-Day was the biggest land and water invasion in history and would go on to be a huge turning point in WWII. And it all depended on a plant. Specifically a leaf from a tree that grows on the east coast of Australia, that would treat seasick soldiers and allow them to fight. Dr Chris Kavelin joins Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) to tell the incredible, and little known, story of how Indigenous Australian knowledge would shape WWII and make sure D-Day actually happened. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Host: Marc Fennell

Guest: Dr Chris Kavelin

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Places: Australia

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