Ann Howard

Ann Howard (born 1942) is an Australian author and historian. She has written books on the history of the Australian Women's Army Service, including You'll Be Sorry! How World War II Changed Women's Lives. Her more recent books include A Carefree War: The Hidden History of World War II Child Evacuees, which she wrote after interviewing more than 100 Australians about their experiences. A resident of Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River, New South Wales, for nearly 50 years, Howard has also authored four books on the island's history. Early life in England Howard was born in London in 1942. During World War II, she was evacuated with her mother to Eastbourne on the coast of Sussex, where her family remained after the war. She received a scholarship to Goldsmiths, University of London, intending to become a painter. Life in Australia Howard moved to Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and their two young children in the 1970s. After he died unexpectedly, she bought a run-down property on Dangar Island, just north of Sydney. Called The Pavilion, it was the last remaining part of the homestead of politician Henry Cary Dangar, built in 1889. Howard completed two masters degrees while working as a teacher, raising her three sons, and gradually restoring the heritage home. Regarding her work as a historian, Howard has stated, "I like grassroots history; I don’t like history that is politicised. I like to hear people's voices and try to provide a platform for people's voices. So I'm always listening for stories."