'A novel form of war memorial': the AIF Malayan Nursing Scholarship and Australia–Asia relations. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Twomey, Christina
• Is Part Of: History Australia. Volume 14:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 250
• Page End: 265
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: War memorials -- Australia–Asia relations -- prisoners of war -- Singapore Chinese -- nursing; Australia -- History -- Periodicals; Australia; History; Periodicals; 905
• DOI: Https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/14490854.2017.1319741
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1449-0854

Abstract

Abstract: Studies of war's aftermath often centre on commemoration, grief, mourning, rehabilitation and reintegration into families, workplaces and communities. This paper concentrates on another peacetime initiative: philanthropic efforts to consolidate connections with regional neighbours forged during the Second World War. Through a study of the AIF Malayan Nursing Scholarship, the article examines how former prisoners of war understood and sought to influence Australia–Asia relations in the post-war period. The scholarship scheme typified relationship building at a transitional moment, when post-colonial and independent states began to challenge the assumptions that had governed the interactions between white Australians and Asia for several generations.