Queensland nurses' stories from World War II 2026

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‘Where there are men fighting, there are always nurses.' (Sister Florence Syer, Australian Army Nursing Service World War II) Join us for a free 30 minute talk highlighting some of the remarkable Queensland nurses who enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War II. Nurses have been part of the Australian Armed Forces since the formation of the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) in July 1903. Every year the Centaur Memorial Fund for Nurses holds the Nurses Memorial Candlelight Vigil on the eve of Anzac Day at the Nurses' Memorial, Anzac Square, Brisbane. This Vigil commemorates the service of nurses over the more than 125 years in which Australia has been involved in conflicts. This year before the vigil we will be presenting a half hour talk at the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries highlighting the service of the 5,000 Australian nurses who enlisted during World War II. These women served in a variety of locations, including the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Asia and the Pacific. Join us at the Memorial Galleries as we explore: the experiences of the nurses who headed to the Middle East in1940 the fate of those who shipped out to Malaysia with our troops in 1941 tragedies where nurses lost their lives through enemy action and life for those who spent over 3 years in Japanese POW camps in both Indonesia and Japan. After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands. Anzac Square Memorial Galleries are located at 285 Ann Street. The talk will be held in the Post World War II Gallery (door located off the tunnel below the Shrine of Remembrance). The talk will run from 5-5.30 pm and conclude half an hour before the vigil's scheduled start at 6pm.