This weekend marks the 83rd anniversary of the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke and the Bangka Island Massacre.
It’s important to take time to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives, especially during such tragic and harrowing events. The sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke and the Bangka Island Massacre stand as grim reminders of the dangers and horrors faced by nurses, soldiers, and civilians during wartime. The South Australian nurses who lost their lives in these events, many of whom had worked at the Adelaide Hospital, embody extraordinary courage and selflessness. These women were not only involved in providing care but also demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of immense adversity.
Reflecting on their stories is a meaningful way to acknowledge their sacrifices and keep their memories alive, especially as anniversaries like the 83rd this weekend bring the history back into focus.
The story of the SS Vyner Brooke is deeply tragic, yet it underscores the resilience and suffering endured by those on board. After the bombing and sinking of the ship on February 14, 1942, the survivors must have felt a fleeting sense of relief upon reaching Bangka Island, only to face unimaginable horrors. They were far from safe, and the events that followed were horrific beyond measure.
When the survivors—65 nurses and wounded men—made their way to the island, they probably believed that they had escaped the worst. But the Bangka Island Massacre, which followed shortly thereafter, was a brutal reminder of the cruelty they would face at the hands of the Japanese forces. These women, who had already endured so much by tending to the wounded and risking their lives during the conflict, now faced an even greater terror.
The massacre itself was particularly devastating for the nurses, who were targeted by the Japanese soldiers. Many of them were killed in cold blood, either on the beach or after being marched away. The heroism of these women cannot be overstated—these nurses, along with the others, died while fulfilling their duty, caring for those in need, even in the most extreme conditions.
As we reflect, it’s also important to honor their memory by acknowledging their humanity, their bravery, and their dedication to others even in the face of death.
“Chin up girls, I’m proud of you and I love you all”.
Matron Irene Drummond yelled as they were marched into the sea
Adelaide Hospital Nurses
Elaine Lenore Balfour-Ogilvy
Born on the 14th January 1912 in Renmark she had trained as a nurse after high school. At the outbreak of World War 2 she decided to use her training to help the war effort and joined the Australian Army Nursing Service in 1940.
By March 1940 she had set sail for Malaya (now known as Malaysia). It was here she set into Army life.
Once she made it to Bangka Island where she continued to care for the injured.
Elaine was killed in the Bangka Island Massacre. She was only 30 years old.
Sister Florence ‘Flo’ Rebecca Casson
Born 6th March 1903 in Warracknabeal (Victoria) her family were living in Adelaide at the outbreak of WW2. Flo had trained at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1935. She soon became Matron of a number of country hospitals including Jamestown, Port Pirie and Pinnaroo.
She enlisted at the Keswick barracks with the Australian Army Nursing Service and travelled to Malaya with the 2/13th Australian General Hospital.
Making it to Bangka Island she was executed.
Flo was 39 years old.
Sister Hulda Millicent “Millie” Maria Dorsch
Millie was born on 25th February 1912 at Brighton South Australia.
She graduated from the Adelaide Hospital in 1935.
After the sinking of the Vyner Brooke Millie was last seen floating on a piece of wood with a small child. Presumed drowned, many thought she was lucky to have escaped what happened on Bangka Island.
Millie was presumed drowned on 14th February 1942 aged 29.
Lorna Florence Fairweather
Born in Stirling, South Australia on 31st January 1913.
She trained at the Adelaide Hospital and graduated in 1936. Prior to the war she worked at the Somerton Crippled Children’s Home. Deciding to join the Australian Army Nursing Service she signed up on 2nd July 1941.
Assigned to the 13th Australian General Hospital she arrived in Singapore and was based at St Patrick’s School. On 12th February she left Singapore on the Vyner Brooke. Surviving the sinking she made it to Bangka Island where she was executed.
Lorna was 29 years old.
Ellen “Nell” Louisa Keats
Nell was born on 1st July 1915 in Unley South Australia.
She commenced her training at Parkwynd Private Hospital in 1933 before transferring ton the Adelaide Hospital. In 1937 she passed her final exam and was employed at the Adelaide Hospital as a Staff Sister.
Signing up for service on 18th December 1940 and called up on 3rd February 1941.
Killed on Bangka Island aged 26.
As we remember them, we honour their selflessness and unwavering dedication to caring for the wounded. Their bravery continues to inspire us, reminding us of the sacrifices made by these nurses who gave everything to serve others during one of the darkest chapters in history.
Written by Kellie Branson, CALHN Health Museum