I Was Only Doing My Job: Australia's Military History

CW: Sexual Assault- This episode contains a discussion of the murder of women and allegations of sexual assault in war.

16 February 1942. While serving as a Staff Nurse with the 2/13th Australian General Hospital, Second Australian Imperial Force, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel became the sole survivor of the Bangka Island Massacre at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. She would endure three and a half years as a prisoner of war, yet never surrender her courage, compassion, or resolve.
That period of captivity forms the emotional and historical centre of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, Theatre180’s powerful new production.
In this episode, I sit down with Theatre180’s Artistic Director, Stuart Halusz, to explore the legacy of the nurses of the Vyner Brooke, the responsibility of bringing such a profound Australian story to the national stage, and how 'Bully's Legacy is still relevant 84 years after the event.

21 Hearts National Tour
This episode features discussion of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke. For national tour dates and ticket purchases, visit:
https://theatre180.com.au/
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This year I am again taking part in the March On Challenge, raising funds to support veterans and their families. If you would like to support my 312km challenge and contribute to this important cause, you can do so here:
https://www.marchonchallenge.org.au/fundraisers/rossmanuel/virtual26
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CW: Suicide
2-November-1917: While serving as a Driver within 14 Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, Driver William Henry Morcombe MM was subjected to one of the terror weapons of the Great War, Gas. Morcombe survived the war, but unfortunately not the peace that followed it.

If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890 ReachOut at au.reachout.com
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Open Arms (current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families can seek this free and confidential support) – 1800 011 046
ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (for current serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 628 036.
Safe Zone Support (for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 142 072.

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In 1942, while Australian troops were battling for survival along the Kokoda Track, thousands of others were fighting a very different kind of war—across the world in the deserts of North Africa. In this episode, I speak with author Tom Gilling about his new book, Start Digging You Bastards!, which vividly brings the ANZAC experience at the Second Battle of El Alamein to life.
We discuss the overlooked role of the 9th Division, the brutal conditions of desert warfare, and how El Alamein became a turning point not just for the Allies but for the soldiers who fought it.
Start Diggin,g you Bastards! It is available at all good book retailers

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1 April 1942 – While serving as a pilot with No. 405 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Flight Sergeant Moheddeen Abdull Ghias Howsan and his crew took part in a daring night raid over Nazi-occupied France. A skilled and determined aviator, Howsan was a proud Australian descended from Afghan and Indian immigrants—one of many Muslim ANZACs who answered the call to serve.
During the mission, their Wellington bomber was struck by enemy fire and engulfed in flames. As the aircraft fell towards the town of Marly-le-Roi, Howsan fought to maintain control, steering away from homes, a school, and a church. His sacrifice saved the town, but he and his crew paid the ultimate price.

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Intro and Outro byPaul Yudin
Support the Podcast
Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast
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For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website athttps://www.thedocnetwork.net/.
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14-MAY-1943: While serving as a Nurse aboard the 2/3rd Australian Hospital Ship Centaur as part of the Australian Army Nursing Service, Sister Ellen Savage survived the sinking of the Hospital ship at the hands of the Japanese submarine I-177 and in doing so became a symbol of resilience and compassion as she was the sole nursing survivor.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life and service of Sister Ellen Savage, from her early years in Quirindi to her heroic actions during the Second World War. As the sole surviving nurse of the Centaur tragedy, Ellen's courage, dedication to her fellow survivors, and enduring contributions to nursing made her a true beacon of strength. This is the story of a woman who faced the horrors of war with unmatched bravery and left a lasting legacy for future generations.

Intro and Outro by Paul Yudin

Support the Podcast

Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ

For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/.

Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM

Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon, YouTube.