The Sullivans

September 1, 1939 to February 17, 1940 War is looming and it poses very special threats to the Sullivans and their friends. Dave is a veteran of WWI and Grace, his wife, fears that he will enlist to fight again - but it is their son Tom who is the first to go off to war. Local German shopkeepers, the Kauffmans, face discrimination and risk internment while amidst the turmoil is John Sullivan’s love for their daughter Anna. With the war preoccupying the adults, 13-year-old Kitty Sullivan embarks on an innocent relationship with a lonely man – much to the consternation of Mrs. Jessup their nosey neighbour.

February 17, 1940 – September 30, 1940 Grace faces the inevitable – her second son Tom will soon be leaving for the Middle East. As Tom departs he fears Christine may not wait for him to return? Dave Sullivan continues to struggle with indecision – will he re-enlist to fight in this war? Meanwhile Grace suspects that Dave is not telling her everything about his past with Maggie. The arrival of evacuee children from London disrupt home life for Jarvis and the Sullivan family. Newlyweds John and Anna face difficult times while in Palestine Bert Duggan awaits news from Lil. Is he a father yet?

July 10, 1944 to September 13, 1944 As the family gathers for Grace’s funeral, John returns home, but he leaves for Palestine soon after, in search for Nadia. Tom & Norm embark on a clandestine mission to German occupied Holland. Jim Sullivan, Dave’s cousin, arrives in Camberwell. Kitty is smitten by Jim’s army mate Robbie. Harry succeeds in a new career but loses in love.

June 10, 1948 to August 22, 1948 In this final chapter of The Sullivans, Grandpa tries to help Geoff realise his dreams, Maureen naively runs up a hire purchase debt, Juliana defies Norm and Maggie and Alice gives birth with Jim still in New Zealand. When Terry escapes prison and comes home unexpectedly, there are tragic consequences for the family.