Remembering Wilhelmina Tempest: A Legacy of Resilience and Caring

The life of Wilhelmina Tempest, a poignant symbol of resilience and compassion, has come to an end at the remarkable age of 94. One of the last survivors of wartime Japanese internment camps in Indonesia, Wil’s story is not merely one of survival but of dedication to healing others. Her journey from a war-torn childhood to a fulfilling career as a nurse and her active involvement in her community encapsulates her indomitable spirit.

Early Life and Wartime Trials

Born into a family steeped in missionary work—her grandfather was a Dutch Protestant missionary in West Papua—Wil’s early life in Sumatra was forever altered in 1942 when World War II escalated in the region. At that time, her father, Willem van Hasselt, served as the headteacher at a bush school. When conscripted into the Dutch army, he was captured by Japanese forces and sent to work on the infamous Burma Railway. Wil’s family found themselves on the verge of devastation.

Wil and her mother, Pieterlina van Hasselt, were interned alongside other non-native women and children. Their experiences in numerous camps were marked by "filth, disease, hunger, overcrowding," and a constant threat of violence. "I spoke about those years only later in life, when I felt strong enough," she revealed in one of her rare discussions about that harrowing period.

Desperate Times and Miraculous Rescue

The immediate aftermath of the Japanese surrender in August 1945 placed many internees in imminent danger. With a power vacuum established, insurgents sought retribution against former colonial masters. It was a remarkable Canadian woman named Joan Bamford Fletcher who played a crucial role in their salvation. Fletcher orchestrated the evacuation of approximately 2,500 internees, guiding them on a treacherous 450-kilometer trek to Padang.

“It felt like a miracle,” Wil recalled. "Thanks to her leadership, we made it through what seemed impossible.”

Eventually, Wil and her mother were able to return to the Netherlands in April 1946, where they rejoined other family members. Her father, having endured unimaginable suffering on the railway, reunited with them later that year.

A New Chapter in Nursing

Despite her traumatic teenage years and limited education, Wil’s resilient spirit led her to retrain as a nurse, arriving in the UK in 1957. She began working at St Lawrence Hospital in Chepstow, specializing in burn injuries and plastic surgery, where she met her future husband, Michael Tempest, a widowed doctor with two children. The couple married in 1959.

At the hospital, Michael was pioneering techniques to combat tropical diseases, and Wil supported him as he established a plastic surgery unit in Ibadan, Nigeria, where he focused on treating children affected by Noma, a debilitating disease.

Balancing Career and Family Life

Following their return to Chepstow in 1965, the couple settled in a tranquil village in the Wye Valley. Life took on a different focus as Wil embraced motherhood and family life, supporting Michael’s demanding medical career. While sacrificing her nursing aspirations to raise their three additional children, Wil remained determined in her roles—both as a mother and a steadfast partner.

"Wil was the solid rock in our family; her strength and care shaped our lives," reflected her son, Ewart.

Engaging in Community and Lifelong Learning

In her retirement, Wil continued to share her enthusiasm for learning and community engagement. She became an enthusiastic member of the University of the Third Age (U3A), participating in courses ranging from French and philosophy to drama and folk dancing. Despite carving a fulfilling life in the UK for over 65 years, Wil never lost her Dutch nationality, and like many, was astounded by the Brexit decisions.

Michael’s passing in 1995 marked another turning point for Wil, who found solace in her children and stepchildren. She would often express her gratitude for her remarkable journey with humbling dignity.

A Lasting Legacy

Wil is survived by her children, Ewart and Ruth, and stepchildren James and the author of this article. She was preceded in death by her son, David.

Her legacy embodies the spirit of resilience, the capacity for healing, and the importance of community. As the world reflects on her life and experiences, it is vital to acknowledge the profound lessons learned from those who endured unimaginable hardships.

Share Your Thoughts

Wilhelmina Tempest’s life serves as an inspiring narrative about the power of hope and dedication. What stories do you have about resilience in your own life? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts or experiences in the comments section below.

For more on historical resilience narratives, check out our related articles on survival stories and community legacies. Additionally, learn more about World War II internment camps through sources like The National WWII Museum, or delve into the intricate histories of Dutch colonialism in Southeast Asia at Dutch Colonial Heritage.