In collaboration with the Australian College of Nursing, the ACN Foundation is calling for family, friends and colleagues to share stories and reflections of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel AO, MBE, ARRC, ED, FNM, FRCNA and the 21 nurses who lost their lives at the Bangka Island Massacre in 1942 in one of the worst atrocities of World War II.
ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward, said that it is important that the Bangka Island nurse's courage, leadership and professional skills continue to have a legacy in Australia today. "We are keeping the memory of these nurses alive by encouraging all family, friends and colleagues of these heroic women to contact us and share their stories," Adjunct Professor Ward said.
"The women endured exceptionally trying conditions in the face of death. Even in their final moments, they stayed true to their commitment to care for others, with several supporting their injured colleagues walk into the water before their tragic death.
"We want to ensure that their legacy is not forgotten, and that Australians will continue to be inspired by them. "It's important we link the past, present and future for us to remember the sacrifice, service and leadership of these Australian nurses and their role within the Australian Army Nursing Service," Adjunct Professor Ward said.
