Memories 22 Nurses Fall During World War 2nd, Australia Not Wants To Think About Radji Beach In Bangka

Australian Embassy representative Tom Pearce at the Australian nurse honor ceremony on Radji Beach, Bangka Island, Friday (17/2/2023). (ANTARA/HO-ADMISSION OF AUSTRALIA)

JAKARTA - Australia paid tribute to its fallen nurses on Radji Beach, Bangka Island, during the 2nd World War

"We remember the nurses, soldiers and civilians who died on Radji Beach 81 years ago," said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams in Jakarta, Friday, February 17, confiscated by Antara.

Williams added that Radji Beach is a historic place that should not be forgotten.

The beach was where injured British soldiers and Australian nurses fled Singapore and were drowned by Japanese troops near Bangka Island on February 16, 1942.

The survivors, consisting of 50 British soldiers who were brought to Radji Beach, were finally executed by the Japanese army, while 22 nurses were shot dead. Only one nurse survived, namely Vivian Bulwinkel.

In addition to paying tribute to their nurses who died in the 2nd World War, Australia also gave the Education Award Vivian Bowden, which in 2023 belongs to two students of Bangka Belitung University, Janeke Kusherawati and Jesen.

"This award allows us to remember the sacrifice of the late Vivian Gordon Bowden, as well as support the future generations of leaders of Bangka Island to pursue their education and future," said Australian Embassy representative Tom Pearce.

Vivian Gordon Bowden was the only Australian diplomat to have died in the Second World War. She died on February 17, 1942 in Muntok while trying to return to Australia.