Aussie Scientists who changed the course of WW2

In 1940 Britain and the Commonwealth Nations were alone in facing the might of the all conquering German forces in the Battle for Britain.

Within 100 days Two Australian Scientists from Adelaide led remarkable teams in separate disciplines that changed the outcome of the Second World War.

One was Howard Florey, who made the discovery of penicillin , and the other was Mark Oliphant who discovered microwave RADAR and proved the ability to develop the nuclear bomb.

Both managed to convince the Americans that these things could work and as it turned out, they had known each other from childhood

Image: Image: NewSouth

Produced By: Roderick Chambers

Featured In Story: Brett Mason, former Queensland Senator and Author of Wizards of Oz – NewSouth Press

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 2 November 2022