Campbell Sister Vivian Bullwinkel Memorial

Details

Location Australian War Memorial, Fairbairn & Limestone Avenues, Campbell, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Type memorial
Description

Bronze Statue

Built Charles Robb
Opened Not yet discovered
Inscription

Charles Robb
Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel AO MBE ARRC ED FNM FRCNA (2023)

Acquired under commission in partnership with
the Australian College of Nursing Foundation
AWM2022.433.1

Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel was an imposing figure with a garrulous laugh, known for her strength of character and warmth. This sculpture reflects these aspects of her service and character, her dignified composure and unrelenting dedication to nursing principles of care. Bullwinkel stands in a symmetrical pose, framed by the gentler horizontal gestures of her garments and the water beneath her feet. These movements are echoed by the resonating contours of the base, a sculptural reference to the impact Bullwinkel had on the world around her.

Emanating from her feet is a gentle watery surface into which a series of 22 stainless steel discs is set. Each represents one of the women killed in the Banka Island Massacre on 16 February1942. The discs replicate the pattern of the stars visible in the night sky above Banka Island that evening.

"Chin up, girls. I am proud of you, and I love you all."
These were the final words of Matron Irene Drummond, spoken to 21 Australian Army nurses and a civilian woman as they were marched into the sea and massacred by Japanese machine-gun fire in the waters off Radji Beach, Dutch East Indies on 16 February 1942.
One woman survived to reveal the details of the atrocity
-Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bulliwinkel AO MBE ARRC ED FNM FRCNA (1915-2000)
Registered nurse and midwife Vivian Bullwinkel lived a life of service and devotion to her profession, to her country, and to humanity. Beyond the trauma of war, including the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke and three and a half years as a prisoner of war, she became a distinguished leader and advocate for nurses and a formidable champion for justice and peace.
Vivian Bullwinkel lived a way that meant her sisters would never be buried in the abhorrent darkness of war, but that their stories would continue to shine in the light of peace by which they lived.
Lest We Forget
all who served in the hope of a better world.

(Names)

Condition

Good

Names

Showing 8 people of interest from memorial

BEARD, Alma May

Service number W16368
Sister
2nd/13th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 14 Jan 1913

STEWART, Esther Sarah Jean

Service number NX70936
Sister
2nd/10th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 15 Oct 1904

SALMON, Florence Aubin

Service number NX70991
Nursing Sister
2nd/10th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 20 Oct 1915

FAIRWEATHER, Lorna Florence

Service number SX13431
Staff Nurse
2nd/13th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 31 Jan 1913

WIGHT, Rosetta Joan

Service number VX61329
Nursing Sister
2nd/13th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 3 Dec 1908

NEUSS, Kathleen Margaret

Service number NFX70527
Sister
2nd/10th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 16 Oct 1911

DRUMMOND, Irene Melville

Service number SFX10594
Matron
2nd/13th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 26 Jul 1905

BULLWINKEL (STATHAM), Vivian

Service number VFX61330
Captain
2nd/13th Australian General Hospital
Australian Military Forces (WW2)
Born 18 Dec 1915

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