Media Release
16 February 2024
Australian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Steve Scott, attended commemorative services this week honouring the Australian nurses who were killed on the shores of Radji Beach, Bangka Island during World War II.
On 16 February 1942, a ship carrying wounded British soldiers and Australian nurses fleeing Singapore was sunk by Japanese forces near Bangka Island. Following the execution of 50 British soldiers on Radji Beach, 22 Australian nurses were instructed to walk into the sea where they were gunned down from the shore. Only one of the nurses - Vivian Bullwinkel - survived.
“The story of Radji Beach is shocking to all of us. Each year we return to commemorate the nurses, military personnel and civilians who died here 82 years ago,” said Deputy Ambassador Scott.
“We must continue to honour the memory of those who lost their lives so tragically. Lest we forget,” he said.
Australian government representatives also paid their respects to Australian diplomat Vivian Gordon Bowden, who tragically lost his life on 17 February 1942 in Mentok while attempting to evacuate to Australia. Mr Bowden was the only Australian diplomat to be killed in World War II.
In honour of Mr Bowden’s sacrifice, Mr Scott awarded Bangka Belitung University (BBU) students, Juniarti and Anugrah Sahtia Magala, the Vivian Gordon Bowden Education Prize for 2024. The Education Prize is awarded each year to two BBU students, contributing to their tuition and living expenses.
“It is a privilege to make this important contribution to the education and future of Bangka Island’s next generation of leaders in honour of Vivian Gordon Bowden,” Deputy Ambassador Scott said.
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