Bangka Day Commemoration

UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL TO SA NURSES KILLED AT BANGKA ISLAND

Friday, 16 February 2024

Guest Speaker: COL Annette Summers AO RFD

On 16 February 1942, 21 nurses were brutally murdered by the Japanese on Radji Beach, Bangka Island. There was only one survivor - Sister Vivian Bullwinkel - after whom the Bullwinkel Room in the Club is named. That room commemorates the service of women in war. 

Five of the nurses were South Australian and to commemorate their sacrifice, a new artwork is to be hung in the Bullwinkel Room, featuring their photographs and stories. 

The artwork will be unveiled on the 82nd Anniversary of the massacre, Friday 16 February 2024 at 4.30 pm. COL Annette Summers AO RFD, will explain the context of the artwork. COL Summers is delivering the address at the Bangka Day Commemoration at the SA Womens' Memorial Playing Fields, and is the former Secretary of the Returned Nurses Sub-branch of the RSL and knew many of the surviving nurses from the SS Vyner Brooke. 

All Club members are invited to attend at no charge and to join Friday Night Drinks in the Club Bar for drinks and nibbles after the event. 

To give an idea of numbers, please RSVP by 13 February 2024.