Sister Helen F.J C. Haultain Memorial Park, Ingleburn, NSW, Australia
Posted by: 
Aussiebrian
S 34° 00.540 E 150° 52.140
56H E 303210 N 6234798
This memorial to a nursing sister highlights the role of the Red Cross Movement in protecting hospital ships and combatants who are injured in battle whileprotecting their movement from enemy attack.
Waymark Code: WM18357
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 05/20/2023
Views: 1
The International Committee for the Red Cross is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The Red Cross remains neutral in times of armed conflicts.
The First Geneva Convention states that there should be no "obstacle to the humanitarian activities" and that wounded and sick "shall be respected and protected in all circumstances." Article 19 demands that medical units, i.e. hospitals and mobile medical facilities, may in no circumstances be attacked.
The attack on the Hospital Ship Centaur contravened the Geneva Convention and this memorial serves not only as a reminder of the loss of Sister Haultain but the importance of maintaining the neutrality of hospital ships under the Geneva Convention.
Sister Haultain
Known as Cynthia by her family, Sister Haultain served as a nurse in several military hospitals and hospital ships.
on May 14th 1943, she was serving on the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur which was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Sister Haultain was reported 'missing', n changed to 'drowned due to enemy action'. The sinking of the Centaur is one of the war's most notorious actions as the ship should have been protected from enemy fire.
Of 332 persons on board the Centaur only 64 survived. As a local resident, this memorial park rightly gives recognition of her service and sacrifice to other soldiers and sailors.
The park is next to the Memorial Garden and displays military equipment.
The Plaque reads:
Sister Helen F.J.C Haultain Memorial Park
Sister Helen Haulatin was tragically killed while aboard the Australian Hospital Schip “Centaur”
The “Centaur” was en-route from Sydney to Port Moresby when on the night of the 14th Mary 1943, approximately 50 miles NE of Brisbane, was struck by a torpedo fired from a Japanese Submarine I-177, this cowardly attach took place despite the fact “Centaur” was full illuminated depicting her Red Cross Status. “Centaur” sank with the loss of 268 souls.
Ironically, Sister Haultain, who as ill at the time she reported for duty, was sent to the “sick bay’ instead of being returned to her barracks.
This plaque serves as a memorial, not only to Sister Haultain, a local Ingleburn woman, but to All Australian women who gave their lives in times of war and conflict in service to their country.
This plaque is dedicated the President and Members of Ingleburn R.S.L Sub Branch, 8th November 2014
Website: [Web Link]
Emblem(s): Red Cross
Type: Plaque
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