Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Bronze Statue

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.

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