Jenny Davis OAM, Courage be My Friend: The Vivian Bullwinkel Story, Fremantle Press, April 2024, 208 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760993726
Courage Be My Friend is a semi-autobiographical account of the story of nurse Vivian Bullwinkel during World War II revealing the sacrifices of the courageous women who served in war. Sister Bullwinkel enlisted in the Australian Army Nurse Service at the outbreak of World War II and was posted to Singapore. In February 1942, Singapore was evacuated and hundreds of people tried to escape the advancing Japanese army. Vivian was captured. From Vivian’s group of nurses 24 survived, 8 died as prisoners of war, 12 died when their ship was sunk, and 21 were massacred on the shores of Bangka Island. Sister Vivian Bullwinkel was the only survivor of the Bangka Island massacre. Japanese soldiers killed the men, then motioned the nurses to wade into the sea. They then machine-gunned the nurses from behind. Bullwinkel was struck by a bullet which passed completely through her body, missing her internal organs.
Imprisoned, for more than three years, Vivian Bullwinkel worked to help other prisoners and it was here that Vivian met a young Edith ‘Edie’ Kenneison. Together, they ended up in Muntok camp in Indonesia in 1942 where they survived starvation and very harsh conditions.
Told through fifteen year old’s Edie’s eyes, survival and courage bonded Vivian and Edie. They became lifelong friends.
Courage Be My Friend: The Vivian Bullwinkel Story is a story of hope, courage, resilience and great heart.
Suitable for upper primary and lower secondary. Teacher notes are available at the Publisher’s website.
Highly recommended
Reviewed by Suzanne Gervay
