Media Release
16 February 2026
Australian Embassy representatives joined family members, local government and community representatives at commemorative services on Bangka Island this week to honour Australians killed on the 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. Survivors were taken to Radji Beach, where up to 50 British soldiers were executed. The 22 Australian nurses were then instructed to walk into the sea where they were gunned down from the shore. Only one of the nurses, Vivian Bullwinkel, survived.
“Australia remembers the nurses, military and civilians who were killed on Radji Beach and recognises their extraordinary courage,” said Australian Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia, Gita Kamath.
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 to be killed in World War II.
The Vivian Gordon Bowden Education Prize honours Mr Bowden’s memory, and is awarded to two students from Bangka Belitung University (UBB) students annually, contributing to their tuition and living expenses. The 2026 prize was awarded to Yoza Bayu Pratama and Allini Agustina.
“The Vivian Gordon Bowden Education Prize is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy, and a contribution to the education of Bangka Island’s future leaders,” said Chargé d'Affaires Kamath.
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Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72177720332032400