Focus On Survival

Focus on Survival commences before World War II when Ben, a highly skilled photographer meets Em, a midwife, whilst she is caring for the birth of he and his first wife’s second child. She soon realises his marriage is on the rocks. Ben falls in love with Em and after his divorce, asks her to marry him. Em agrees but not without her family’s strong disapproval. Within eighteen months Em gives birth to a daughter, Gerda. Ben expresses his fear that there is going to be another war. He begins making preparations to provide for and protect his family Before Charles, their second child is born, World War II has broken forth. In May 1940, the Nazis overthrow The Netherlands and set up Nazi Occupation. Within a very short time, they begin persecuting and hounding all people of Jewish background. Ben is not Jewish but he is incensed at man’s inhumanity to man. He is gratefully accepted into the Underground movement who are dedicated to helping the poor Jews escape and actively resist the Nazi government over them. He forges passports and new identities for them. When Ben is apprehended under suspicion and held in the Nazi headquarterss, beaten and finally allowed to go home, Ben realises he must find a fool proof way of avoiding capture. He comes up with an incredible plan, and with Em’s help puts it into action. Meanwhile food is scarce and electricity is cut off. People are both hungry and cold. During this time Ben and Em realise their son has Haemophilia. They almost lose him. Then Em finds she is pregnant again - another mouth to feed. Finally in desperation the Nazis call up all able bodied men to go to Germany and work in the factories supporting the Nazi war effort. Ben refuses to go and now his life is in even deeper danger. Em by now has another son, Louis, who also has Haemophilia. Now to protect Ben and her children, she pregnant again risks her life to get help from a distant relative over 100 kilometres away in Zwolle. Finally three weeks before Em gives birth to her fourth child, Marjolein, the war ends. She and Ben are thankful, that they stayed focused and survived the world’s worse co flirt as a family, still in tact. The story ends with victory celebrations by the triumphant Dutch nation and the rest of Europe.

Julie Bayl was born west of Sydney, at Penrith, Australia, in 1950. She was the second of three children born to Bruce and Betty Judd. Both her parents' families came from farming backgrounds.
After World War II ended, circumstances led to her parents purchasing a small parcel of land just out of Parramatta. This is where she spent most of her life as a child. Julie always had an intense interest in history. She was also very interested in English literature and other languages. Always loved true stories.
In 1971, she married Charles Bayl (originally spelt Bijl) whose family had emigrated from The Netherlands in 1953, seeking a better life. They settled at Marmong Point on beautiful Lake Macquarie, north of Sydney.
After her marriage, Julie lived there until she and Charles made the move to Cowra, in Central New South Wales. This was in 1974. They later had three children, Anita, Paul and David. Today they have two delightful grandsons, Lennon and Banjo.
Soon after her marriage, Marlene (Em) shared with her stories about their life during World War II. These really intrigued Julie. Sadly Ben passed away in 1972. Would the story be lost?
In time Em expressed pleasure, in Julie's suggestion that she write the Bijl family's story. After many long conversations, note-taking and much research, Julie began to pen their exciting and heartwarming story - a story that needs to be told, not simply as an historical record but as an inspiring true account of courage, resilience and ingenuity.