A COMMEMORATIVE coin marking the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke has been released.
The collectable 20 cent coin was released this month by the Royal Australian Mint.
The British cargo vessel SS Vyner Brooke was sunk on February 12 1942 during World War II by Japanese forces during the evacuation of medical staff and the wounded from Singapore.
Despite a number of survivors making it to Radji Beach, the servicemen were bayoneted and nurses were shot, with nurse Vivian Bullwinkel the only Australian to survive.
Mint chief executive Ross MacDiarmid said the coin design depicts the SS Vyner Brooke's torturous journey while the packaging features several images including a group photo of the Australian war nurses and Australia's most distinguished war nurse, the late Lieutenant-Colonel Vivian Statham, also known by her maiden name Vivian Bullwinkel.
"This coin recognises a significant part of Australia's war history which demonstrates the horrific experience many endured for our country, unimaginable to many of us today," said Mr MacDiarmid.
"The Lieutenant-Colonel's story of survival reminds us of the compassion and bravery of all Australian war nurses and this coin is being released to honour and remember all of them."
Lt-Col Bullwinkel's nephew Mr John Bullwinkel said he was proud of his aunt's achievements both during her struggle for survival including caring for the sick and dying while being a prisoner of war and the legacy created afterwards dedicating her life to improving recognition, training and conditions for nurses.
"Vivian's story is horrendous and courageous and in sharing this story with the Australian public through this commemorative coin, it reflects the true test of the character of all Australian service nurses, especially under difficult circumstances and deprivations," said Mr Bullwinkel.
Director of the Australian War Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson addressed the 75th anniversary of Bangka Day Memorial Service at the South Australian Women's Memorial Playing Fields on Sunday 12.
Dr Nelson said it was important to take this time to remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives so selflessly.
"From a generation that produced so many remarkable Australians, Vivian Bullwinkel was a giant among them. The Australian War Memorial is proud to partner with the Royal Australian Mint to develop a commemorative coin in her honour," Dr Nelson said.
- With a limited mintage of 20 000 and retailing for $10 each, the 2017 20c Uncirculated Coin can be purchased at eshop.ramint.gov.au, phone 1300 652 020.
