13 December 2024
On its return home from Singapore after Indo-Pacific Endeavour, HMAS Adelaide sailed to Bangka Island where personnel commemorated sacrifices made by nurses in the Second World War.
The embarked Maritime Operational Health Unit led the Australian Amphibious Force in a memorial service for the 21 nurses killed on Radji Beach.
On February 14, 1942, 65 Australian Army nurses were evacuated from Singapore on the SS Vyner Brooke due to the pending Japanese invasion.
After a bombing of their ship, 22 of the nurses made their way to Bangka Island where they cared for the wounded for two days, including women and children, civilians and soldiers.
Two days later, on February 16, the Japanese Army found the group on the beach, killed the remaining soldiers and ordered the nurses to walk into the sea, where they were shot.
Twenty-one were killed. The only survivor of the massacre was Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel.
'It is these sacrifices, in times of conflict, that have provided us the quality of life and freedoms that we enjoy today. We owe them everything.'
At the service on board Adelaide was Navy nursing officer Lieutenant Claire Knight, an inaugural recipient of the prestigious Bullwinkel Scholars Program, established by the Australian College of Nursing Foundation for Defence and civilian nurses who embody the spirit of those lost.
Lieutenant Knight reflected on the significance of Bangka Island and how it has influenced her.
“As a nursing officer in the Australian Defence Force, it is difficult not to be moved by the history of the largest loss of Australian nurse’s lives,” Lieutenant Knight said.
“The courage, grace and determination demonstrated by the fallen is their legacy and I am optimistic this legacy is living on through all ADF nursing officers.
“We are the custodians of their story and invaluable work and we will continue their commitment to Defence nursing.”
Commander Australian Amphibious Task Group Captain Christopher Doherty reflected on the significance of honouring the fallen.
“Taking time to pause and reflect about those that have served before us is important to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten,” Captain Doherty said.
“It is these sacrifices, in times of conflict, that have provided us the quality of life and freedoms that we enjoy today. We owe them everything.”
