Media Release
17 February 2025
Australian Chargé d'Affaires to Indonesia, Gita Kamath, attended commemorative services in Bangka Belitung this week to honour Australians killed on 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. After their capture on Radji Beach, twenty-two Australian nurses were forced to walk into the sea and were shot from the shore. Only one nurse, Vivian Bullwinkel, survived. Fifty British soldiers were also executed on the beach.
“Each year we return to Radji Beach to commemorate the bravery of the men and women who died here and ensure their memory is never forgotten,” said Australian Chargé d'Affaires to Indonesia, Gita Kamath.
“The story of Radji Beach remains as shocking today as it was 83 years ago. It is our duty to ensure the sacrifice of those who lost their lives so tragically is remembered. Lest we forget,” she said.
Chargé d'Affaires Kamath and Australian government representatives also paid their respects to Australian diplomat Vivian Gordon Bowden, who was killed on 17 February 1942 in Mentok while attempting to evacuate to Australia. Mr Bowden was the only Australian diplomat killed in World War II.
Chargé d'Affaires Kamath awarded the Vivian Gordon Bowden Education Prize for 2025 to two students from Bangka Belitung University (UBB) students, Analutfia and Aldy Cristian Tarigan. The Education Prize is awarded each year to two UBB students, contributing to their tuition and living expenses.
“I am delighted to present this award in honour of Vivian Gordon Bowden. It is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy, and an important contribution to the education of Bangka Island’s future leaders,” said Chargé d'Affaires Kamath.
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