Remembering the Bangka Island massacre

Defence Service Nurses RSL Sub Branch marked the 82nd anniversary of the Bangka Island Massacre with a poignant annual service at Brisbane’s Memorial Church on Sunday 11 February.

This significant anniversary honours the memory of the 21 Australian Army nurses and several Australian and British soldiers and crew members who were tragically killed on Radji Beach during World War II on 16 February 1942.

The ceremony was attended by Queensland Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM, the Second Nurses Battalion and members of the community.

Defence Service Nurses RSL Sub Branch President Ann Bramwell (left) welcoming Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM into Brisbane’s Memorial Church ahead of the service

Ann Martin, Defence Service Nurse RSL Sub Branch member and former Army nurse, led the main address of the ceremony. Ann says the commemorative service holds important significance for the Sub Branch, bringing together the community to acknowledge a devastating event in history that claimed the lives of nurses who courageously cared for our service personnel.

“The commemoration is an opportunity to recognise the pivotal role of nurses in Australian war history, expressing our gratitude and respect for the invaluable work and the sacrifices they have made,” Ann says.

“And while this anniversary is a moment for remembrance and reflection, we hope it creates a sense of pride amongst the community, honouring the important responsibility nurses had in providing us with the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM during the service

The Bangka Island Massacre unfolded after 22 nurses survived the sinking of the Vyner Brooke ship off the coast of Indonesia, following an attack by a Japanese aircraft. Of the 65 female nurses on the ship, 22 women found themselves on the shores of Bangka Island, surrendering to Japanese forces. Tragically, they were ordered to walk into the surf and were killed as they entered.

“Today, many family members, descendants and nurses return to Bangka Island to commemorate the anniversary, standing on the edge of Radji Beach in what they call the ‘Walk for Humanity’ in recognition of the fateful moment,” Ann says.

“I had the opportunity to visit Bangka for the 75th anniversary. It was a surreal experience to pay my respects on the beach where the massacre took place.

A crowd gathers in Brisbane’s Memorial Church for the 82nd anniversary of the Bangka Island Massacre at Brisbane’s Memorial Church, including Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, RSL State Deputy President Wendy Taylor, RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM, the Second Nurses Battalion and members of the community

Sister Vivian Bullwinkel was the only nurse to survive the massacre. Shot in the back, she faked her death, later fighting for survival and staying out of sight while attempting to aid a fellow soldier back to health. However, she was eventually captured and incarcerated in Japanese prisoner of war (POW) camps for more than three years before returning to Australia.

“Vivian’s story is one of courage and bravery. Not just during the massacre, but her years in captivity and then devoting her time to nursing and telling the story of what happened on the island after she returned home. She’s a woman of remarkable strength and endurance,” Ann says.

Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch member Ann Martin speaking on the history of the Bangka Island Massacre

Sister Bullwinkel joined efforts with Sister Betty Jeffrey, who was also interned in Japan, to raise funds to create the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre. The charity commemorates nurses who died during WWII or survived the harsh conditions of the POW camps. Established in 1950, the centre is still in operation today and aims to inspire a new generation of nurses by providing postgraduate scholarships.

Ann praised the statue of Sister Bullwinkel which was erected at the Australian War Memorial in 2023, saying the monument raises awareness of her story, the massacre and the connection of nurses to the Australian Defence Force. 

“Seeing monuments like Vivian’s erected has been a great way to bring attention to the anniversary, but also greater acknowledgement and admiration around the work nurses do,” Ann says.

“In recent years, our Sub Branch has really been focusing on spreading the message to educate and encourage conversations. Our commemoration is one way we hope this event in history is remembered for generations to come.

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