broken hearted
Posted on by Debbie

What I’ve learnt from surviving a school trip that went terribly wrong

How I survived a school trip that went tragically wrong

Survival

I’m known for surviving – and I’m very thankful for that!

My mother tells stories of me surviving a few times before I’d even started walking  –

  • there was the dreadful car accident with her when I was a few months old.  We were on our way to see my father so he could meet me for the first time – he’d been overseas in the Navy when I was born and didn’t get to see me, his first born,  until I was 4 months old.
  • then there was the near catastrophic bout of Double Pneumonia and Golden Staph that had me hospitalised for months and only for my chubbiness, I wouldn’t have survived – my father was away at sea for that incident too and they would have only let him off the ship if I’d died.  So much for compassion!

And then many years later I survived the births of my first two daughters – had I lived in earlier times I would definitely not have survived the postpartum haemorrhages and retained placenta issues.  My third daughter had to be a caesarean as a result of these earlier two births, enabling more control over my placenta that didn’t want to leave its comfy locale! Ugh!!!!!

So I’m definitely a survivor!

40 years ago – May 1978

It was 40 years ago in May 1978, that I set off on a dream trip with my friends, my French teachers, and other French students from my school, all of us armed with a real sense of adventure. We headed off to New Caledonia ready to practice our French language skills and immerse ourselves in the culture of the French island.

I was 17 and in Year 12, my final year of school, at Bomaderry High School, a public high school on the NSW South Coast (Australia).

Little did we know that within a few days we would be heading home after surviving a tragic accident which took the lives of 3 people, two of whom were young students in the prime of their lives.

I was one of the oldest students on the trip with two of my best friends. But sadly only two of us returned home alive.

I have alluded to this accident in a few posts before, and more recently in a guest post I wrote for Miriam on her Out an’ About blog – Five Fab Favourites. I expanded on the accident in a  private message with Miriam and she commented in her post that it was my story to tell. Here’s an excerpt from my guest post:

I hadn’t travelled outside of Australia until I was on an ill-fated and ultimately tragic school excursion to Noumea in 1978.  That experience was awful and enough to put me off travel forever but I didn’t let it faze me, although it did take me another 14 years before I left the country again for an overseas trip. (Side-note: I asked Deb about this experience which she shared with me, however the details are very personal and I’ve decided it’s her story to tell. Suffice to say she’s one courageous individual. Miriam)

It was Miriam’s comment, that it was my story to tell, and a podcast about survival, that made me think it was about time I told my story. Listening to the podcast of Anna Bartsch talking to Richard Fidler, about her survival of a plane crash in Burma a few years ago, got me thinking.  I had to write my own story down. I have told it numerous times over the years, but I’ve never written about it, which is strange for me.

Anna had said things in her interview that stirred my memories and her clarity of the situation years later, made me nod in agreement. I had goosebumps throughout the interview and I remember turning to my husband as the podcast finished, with tears in my eyes, telling him I felt compelled to write about my accident.

My story

I can be back in New Caledonia on the night of the accident in an instant.  Despite it being 40 years ago, it is as clear as if it was yesterday.  My heart starts to race, my senses kick in, my thoughts crystallize and I’m there. 

Isn’t it strange what the mind can do, as I scratch around trying to remember what I actually did last Tuesday, but 40 years ago – hey, no problem??

We had left Australia with excitement on Saturday 6 May 1978. A group of 42 students and 4 teachers. My then boyfriend, now husband, (the Mathematician), drove me to the airport and waved me off. I remember on our way to the airport, in the early hours of the morning, that we nearly hit a cow standing in the middle of the road! I thought nothing of it until later on. It has become part of my story as I often wonder if it was a portent of what was to come.

At 1.00am on Thursday 11 May 1978 we were returning in two buses to our hotel Chez Maitre Pierre at Hienghene, after spending the evening at a disco at a nearby resort, with a group of students from a Wagga school.

It was raining heavily and I was on the first bus which left with 13 people on board – 4 adults and 9 students plus the bus driver.  I remember the road was winding, narrow and slippery.  The bus slid from the road and overturned, rolling four or five times down a forty metre embankment, ending up submerged in the river, La Hienghene, with only a small part of the bus showing above the water.

I was thrown from the bus as it rolled down the embankment and sustained concussion, shock,  cuts, glass embedded throughout my body and other minor injuries, but somehow I had survived.

In total darkness, and with no sign of panic, those of us who had managed to escape from the bus immediately set about the task of rescuing the injured, resuscitating those who had drowned and caring for them until rescuers arrived, more than two hours later.

But for their actions the loss of life would have been far greater.

It was tragic – 3 of the 13 people aboard, died on that bus.

Many of my friends were still in the bus in the water, and repeatedly dived inside it to try to rescue the others. One of the adults on the bus also made every effort to get the others out.  Between us all we were able to rescue everyone except David Christmas (15) whose body was recovered the next day.  Of the adults on the bus, most were either injured or incapacitated in some way and it was up to us students to rescue and care for them until help arrived.

Somehow I was thrown from the bus as it rolled down the embankment, which in my mind was (and still is) a cliff.  I had been asleep on the bus and I don’t remember anything about being thrown out as it rolled. Once I’d regained consciousness I climbed down to the others at the water’s edge and helped out.  I was suffering from shock, the after effects of concussion, had glass embedded in my head and feet (not removed until weeks later) and was bleeding from multiple cuts.  I assisted other students care for the adults who had been dragged from the submerged bus to the shore and climbed back up the embankment to give the helpers an accurate picture of the situation.

I clearly remember wearing a beautiful dress my mother had made me, and my good shoes.  Surprisingly I was still wearing one of them and managed to find the other (don’t ask me how!).  I can see myself placing them both neatly together at the water’s edge as if I was simply going to bed. It’s all a bit like a video reel in my head. Of course, all our belongings with passports, money, and personal items were lost in the bus.

Wearing the lovely dresses our mother had made us. This blue dress is what I was wearing the night of the accident.
With my sister. This blue dress is what I was wearing the night of the accident.

This was nothing compared to the loss of our friends’ lives and the trauma of the accident.

The second bus with the remainder of the students and adults arrived back at the accommodation and wondered where we were because our bus had been ahead of them.  The alarm was soon raised but due to the location of the accident it seemed to take ages for help to arrive.

Another memory I have is of saying ‘I have a bit of a cut on my head but I’m OK, what can I do to help?’ 

Some of the group were taken to the infirmary for a cursory check-over but I don’t remember being seen, I think because on the surface I looked fine. I overheard a conversation about my friend Leonie, who was a champion swimmer, and hearing the words that she had drowned. I couldn’t believe it, this was not fair!

Not all of the group had gone to the dance so there were a few teachers who were uninjured and able to care for us but as one of the remaining two oldest students my friend Ann and I, took on the task of looking after the two students who had both lost a sibling in the accident.  The other person who died was a French local who had been attached to the resort we were staying in.

Things must have moved quickly because we were flown home on Saturday 13 May after a night in a motel in Noumea.

At home

Back home in our small town, the news was announced in the media in such a way that left everyone wondering about the details.  The message was that 3 people from our trip had died but no names were given out, which left everyone in a state of panic.

In a bizarre coincidence the Mathematician had decided to help my father out with his freight delivery service on the day the news was released. He remembers sitting in the truck listening to the news on the radio and then having to tell my father about it, not knowing if I was alive or not.  Dad drove home like a maniac,forgetting his business customers and deliveries, so that he could be with mum to hopefully find out some news. My husband remembers it as one of the worst days of his life, having to tell my father the news and worrying about me at the same time. This was in the days before mobile access!

Somehow my father had managed to not only find out which motel we were staying in, but to also get through on the phone to me.  He just wanted to hear my voice to know I was alive. I have never heard my father so upset before, or since, that day.  He was so happy to hear my voice but mum and dad were both still very worried about me. Mum remembers dealing with the school and waiting for news from them about what would happen, she was not terribly impressed.

The plan had originally been that the Mathematician would pick me up from the airport after the trip, but that went out the window! He wasn’t allowed to come, so it was dad, mum and my two siblings there to collect me (at least I think my sister and brother were there) and dad drove us home like an insane rally driver. 

After what I’d been through, the last thing I needed was dad driving like that on the 2 hour drive along bendy roads in the middle of the night. I actually dredged up the courage from somewhere, to tell dad to slow down.  Believe me, you didn’t tell my father to do anything!!  He had simply wanted to get me home safe and sound.

What happened next?

Well, we were expected to go back to school as if nothing had happened. We had no counselling that I remember, no support and no-one really understood what we’d been through. We went to the two funerals of our friends, Leonie and David, on 16 May and both were held on the same day. It was a surreal experience.

It was found that I had glass throughout my head, legs and feet and so I had to have the wounds re-opened and the glass removed.  This necessitated my head to be shaved in parts and I would go to my kind hairdressers every day or so for them to wash my hair with dry shampoo and I wore a scarf to cover the bandages. I had a few health issues as a result of the stress but I just had to get on with things, like my final exams and finishing school in the October of that year.  My parents were supportive and understanding but they were just so pleased to have me back in one piece. There was a lot going on.

Interview by local paper when the Award was announced
Interview by local paper when the Award was announced

After the story hit the media, we were made out to be heroes and six of us were nominated for Bravery Awards from the Queen.  I’ve read back through all the newspaper articles recently and it was harrowing stuff, even 40 years later! But I’m not a hero.

News that the Queen has approved bravery awards for six young students a Bomaderry and Nowra High Schools is a timely reminder of the fine style of young people who live in our area. 

South Coast Register June 6 1979

Award Ceremony

On October 8, 1979, the six of us and our families, plus the Mathematician, travelled to Government House Sydney to receive our awards from His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler.

I received the Insignia of the Australian Commendation for Brave Conduct and afterwards I went shopping with my mother and bought my wedding dress! I was married early in the new year, on January 12 1980! (And yes I was only 19 when I married and yes we’re still happily married to this day!)

Receiving my Bravery Award
With family at the Award ceremony
The six Bravery Award recipients

My official citation reads:

Be it known that, with the approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second, Queen of Australia, I have awarded the Commendation for Brave Conduct to

Deborah Anne Pittaway:

On 11 May 1978, at about 1am in New Caledonia, a bus carrying a party of Australian school students, plunged off a road during heavy rain into a river and became partly submerged.  Miss Pittaway, a student in the party, was thrown from the bus as it left the road.  Although suffering from a severe cut to the head and shock, as well as the after effects of concussion, Miss Pittaway helped to care for a number of the more seriously injured and later assisted the rescue workers.

Miss Pittaway displayed commendable courage in such hazardous conditions.

Bravery Award
Bravery Award

What I’ve learnt since the accident

Loss

We lost a great friend, Leonie Davidson at age 17, she was far too young to die.  Leonie’s younger sister Rhonda was on the trip with us.  David Christmas was only 15 and his older sister Anna was on the trip too – it was just awful. 

As the oldest students, Ann and I helped console and care for both these girls after the accident, to the best of our ability. Their families have never recovered from this loss.

Fear

I have a real fear of steep, winding roads, especially if it’s raining or snowing and especially if I’m in a bus.

I hate getting too close to edges but have tried to overcome this fear by walking in Nepal and the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

I have never returned to the area of the accident but would like to go back one day.

We received some monetary compensation years later.

There was some talk afterwards, that the bus driver had been drinking, but I can’t prove this.

Life

I have learnt to make the most of our days, as we never know what is around the corner.

I will never get over this accident, but I have learnt to live with it.

Things have changed in the way counselling is offered at schools and for tragic events these days, and for the better I must say.  We could have, and should have, been offered help to deal with this accident instead of just carrying on as per normal. I often wonder what difference it would have made to my life. I have been tempted at times to seek out counselling in the intervening years but have never followed through, life was always too busy with my growing family.

My friend Ann went on to be my bridesmaid at my wedding to the Mathematician.

I don’t feel particularly brave or courageous. I just feel lucky that I am still alive and I live a wonderful life.

Life isn’t for the faint-hearted so it’s up to each of us to make the most of it.

This has not been an easy post to write but I am glad to have finally done it. It’s taken me ages to write too!

I hope that by finally writing this down, in my own words, it helps clear my mind in some ways.

I was travelling overseas with the Mathematician and my eldest daughter on 11 May 2018. I said a few words for Leonie and David’s souls, and for those of us left behind after this tragic accident, 40 years ago.

Thanks for listening to my story 🙂

Deb xx

Also featured here in Denyse’s Women of Courage series

Linking up to #lifethisweek with the prompt of Special Anniversaries and Heroes

What surviving a tragic school trip has taught me despite it being 40 years ago

You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.

Everyone has a story to tell!

Debbie - mother of a 40 year old

Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here

205 Replies to “What I’ve learnt from surviving a school trip that went terribly wrong”

  2. Hi Deb, I finally took the time to read this – and – wow!
    I think you are a hero. Many would have just curled up and stayed alive while others tried to save others. You were injured and had every right to reduce further risk but that’s not in your character, so bravo for you both for your actions that day and the example you leave for many of us who know of your love for others.
    This was a great read and I’m thankful to call you a friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. Hi Deb,
    I was on that trip. I actually did not go to the Dance that night I stayed back at the Hotel. I often think about the trip mainly because I can’t remember much of the trip, I am not sure if my mind has blocked out the actual details or it was kept from me at the time or old age is stopping me from remembering it. I did French at school just to go on that trip. I am glad I got to read what you have written and I know how horrific it would have been, no person of any age should have to go through that ordeal, but going through it at a younger age would have a more lasting effect on your life, but your story show shows how people can team together and help each other at the time of need, and how people are caring and also courageous.
    I am not sure why of all days I decided to google bus crash in Noumea in 1987.
    But thank you for sharing your story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your comment and kind words about the accident in 1977, it has stayed with me all these years and is something I’ll never really get over. I’m glad you didn’t go the dance that night but I’m sorry you haven’t any real memories of the trip. The bits beforehand were quite fun and my French definitely improved while I was there!

      Like

      Reply
  4. Pingback: Challenge Host Interview Series: What’s on Your Bookshelf? – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

  5. It is quite amazing how one can remember details of such a horrifying accident 40 years later. Thank you for sharing this story and also for the fact that we must make the most of each day. Oh, and it’s great to read you’re still married to your Mathematician 😊.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It has all stayed with me as clear as day and as I said in my post I can be back there in an instant. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment on this post. It has been one of my most popular posts over the years and I’m so glad I finally wrote it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. What an incredible story and how hard it would have been to just carry on your normal life after losing your friends in this accident. As you say nowadays the students would have had counselling. You and the others deserved the Bravery award.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh that’s lovely of you to visit and comment on my post Sami. It really was a hard time and life was very different back then. I am still here and am glad I managed to finally write my story down.

      Like

      Reply

  7. Reading this story filled me with admiration at the human spirit and how adaptable and resilient we can be. The scars might still be there, but it sounds like you have reacted to them in a way that is positive, rather than negative. It must be painful re-telling that story but I hope writing it down helps you to process and heal from the saddest parts. Losing schoolfriends in that manner must be very difficult. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your kind words, they were very true – the human spirit is adaptable and resilient – we have to be sometimes! It was painful telling my story but it is always with me in my head so writing it down was just another way of seeing it all happen. Thanks for your care x

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Pingback: June Story Chat: “The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree” by Debbie Harris – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

  9. And I am back to say, good on you for re-posting this. We never ever forget and every so often I think it helps with your recollections and shares the connections that those who died cannot. What a time and at the cusp of life as adults. Recently I was driving with my husband after we had been to visit Dad at Dee Why, and as we went around a roundabout, I recalled that my fellow HSC friend died there riding her motor scooter to school. Back then it was cool if you could get yourself a licence and a means of transport but her life stopped then. 52 years ago.

    Blogging is definitely a chance to share and help both yourself and others who come to read and comment. A valuable tool we both use well I think!

    Thank you for linking up for Life This Week, and as we approach the changing month to April, may you have some good weather where it’s enjoyable to be outside. Next week, the optional prompt is the second of the Self Care stories. Are you self caring enough? See you on Monday 5 April for #lifethisweek link up. Denyse.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh Denyse that’s a sad story and I feel for you! It never matters about how long ago things happened they have the power to hover over us like that. Thanks again for sharing my story in your post!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. What an incredible story! You were very brave Deb, and deserve that award. I’m glad schools are more understanding of how events like this can affect their students. You did well to be able to travel again. Regards, Christina

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Christina, it’s been a huge part of my life for many years and I’m glad I can now talk and write about it. I’m also pleased there is more awareness about the need for counselling out there these days, I often wonder what would be different if I’d had that way back then.

      Like

      Reply

  12. Ive probably said it before, but this is such a horrific experience that you had as a schoolgirl. I can imagine how you could return to it in the blink of an eye. I’m in awe of how you haven’t let it take over your life. I’m sure it’s a life experience that has made you stronger and made you who you are. #lifethisweek

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Somehow I found my way here meandering through your blog and I’m so glad that I did as it’s a powerful post. It made me think about the support people get today compared with what you received, i.e. zero. I can’t imagine being a teenager back at school on the first day after such an accident, with two school mates lost and the rest of you just expected to carry on as normal! I think it’s amazing, and admirable, that you’ve been able to get so much out of your life and not be defined by this event in your past.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Many thanks Sarah, I’m glad you found this important post as I think it says a lot about me, where I’ve come from and why I am like I am. Next to no support back in the day made it hard but I’m stronger than I thought I was.

      Like

      Reply

  15. I am in tears right now Deb. You are a survivor and amazing person as well. You might not feel like a hero, but to the people you helped you sure are. To share this experience is a benefit to all of us who read it. Making the most of our lives is so important and something most people forget until they are looking back and wishing things had been different. Thanks for sharing this story with us, I am sure if is painful to you everytime you remember and share it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. HI Carla, thank you for your tears but understand I am fine now! Making the most of the life we have been given is important and living through this made me appreciate everything I have in my life. I am a survivor and this year I’m trying to be bold 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. I am moved to tears by your heart-breaking, honest recall of an incident which is traumatic and potentially life-shattering. (I followed the link “bravery award from the Queen”, which intrigued me but didn’t prepare me for such an inspiring story).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh thank you for your tears and kind words. Honestly I am fine now but wanted to record the event and at the time, I needed to get the story down. I’m glad I finally did even though so many years had passed by. It was traumatic and will always be a part of me. Thanks again x

      Like

      Reply

  18. What a tragic series of events to have both experienced and carried for so long. I don’t know that anyone ever recovers from something like this but you move on – with time – and gain in strength, resilience and gratitude to cope with other difficult life events which will inevitably surface along the way. To have inspired others to do the same is a fantastic silver lining.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Wow Deb!, what an awful, traumatic experience & at such an impressionable young age. You could have lived with anxiety & fear from that day on, but no doubt, thanks to the support network of your family, partner & friends, you have been able to carry on with your life in a positive way. Thank you for sharing this story, I’m sure it is comfort to others who have been through a similar experience. It is really well expressed and a very moving piece to read. Tracey x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Tracey for your kind words. It really was an awful experience for everyone, and despite being all those years ago, it is something that has stayed with me. It was good to finally write it all down too, as you can imagine. It came from the heart x

      Like

      Reply

    1. Oh Erica, you are so kind. I accept your hugs and will stay hugging you for a while longer than is really necessary because I’ve missed getting hugs!!! I love getting comments that tell me I’ve managed to move people with my words and memories, so a huge thank you to you for reading and letting know how you felt. Now wipe your tears and smile because I survived the accident and I finally managed to wrote my story to share with others xxoo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Again, I don’t really have the true words to convey how your powerful message makes me feel……..yet, you are a true example on how living your best life, gratitude, “jumping” into all the adventures and opportunities is a testament to being alive. Thank you for this. And continuing with the infinite hugs…………..❤️

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  21. Hmm, I thought I’d already responded to this story, I totally got goosebumps reading John’s comment. In the past I have found writing about difficult experiences really cathartic and I hope that it’s the same for you. What a terrible experience for you to have to go through and especially at such a young age and without any professional emotional support after the event. I have been in a similar kind of traffic accident and can vouch for how terrifying it is. I am in awe of your strength and resilience not only to survive the accident but then go on to save and give comfort to others. You were such a guardian angel for so many that day and your award from the Queen is so well deserved. Big hugs for you x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes Sammie, the whole writing and addressing these issues (finally) has helped a lot. I have been blown away by the comments from random people like Jon and Lea and the way others have responded has been heartwarming. Thanks so much for your kind and sensitive comment. x

      Like

      Reply

  22. Deb your memories of this dreadful day are so clear. Your resilience really showed through when it was needed. You should feel very proud of yourself. Reading your story made me think of my son. When he died he was in his first year of work but most of his friends were in year 12. Thankfully counselling was available to them at school. Thanks for sharing your story Deb

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks for reading and leaving me your lovely comment Jennifer. I am proud of myself although I sometimes wonder what would have changed if we’d have had counselling at the time, but now I’ll never know! I am glad your son’s friends were given support when they needed it. I really feel for you on the loss of your son x

      Like

      Reply

  23. Hey Deb, I’ve just caught up with your story and what a traumatic one at that! You have been incredibly brave to share and I hope in doing so went some way to heal the mental wounds. Wow! what an experience! x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  25. Pingback: Pit Stop 120 Starts Here - Ask Dr. Ho

  26. Dear Debbie, through some serendipitous internet event I have come across your blog and this post.
    It was my dad who came across your mum and you, as a little baby, in the car accident you mention at the beginning of your post. It was a dark, rainy night near Yass. You and your mum went to the hospital and he gathered up all the gear out of the car that had been strewn across the road, took the clothing etc home and my mum washed it all clean . Your mum and you stayed with our family while recovering. I was about 4 years old myself but remember your lovely mum very clearly.
    My mum brought me a doll after you both left and we called it Debbie Anne, after you. I still have her.
    I remember dad saying how blessed you both were to survive that crash, and it seems that despite what life has continued to throw at you the underlying courage necessary to keep going and living is inherent in you.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Oh my goodness Lea, you have taken my breath away with your comment and message! I am so grateful to your family for the care you took of mum and I after this accident. I can’t believe you found my post! I’ll be in touch. Thank you for your kind words and for your fabulous comment.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  27. Hi Deb, Thanks for this. It must have been a terrible experience and life changing for many. I was in that year and knew you and Leonie but not David. Good luck for the future.
    Stephen

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your message Stephen. It really was a terrible experience for all of us and the after effects were hard too and carry on still. I appreciate your good wishes. Deb

      Like

      Reply

  28. WOW. That’s a harrowing experience and I hate to think what the sibling went through. I think you did show bravery, even if it didn’t feel like courage to you at the time. I’m sorry for the losses and I’m glad you managed to control how much this altering event effected you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  29. What a harrowing and awful story! Even though you may not feel brave, your actions that night and after the accident certainly WERE brave! Thank you for telling your story. I believe you will help others who have suffered similar circumstances.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Let's keep the conversation going...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Blog at WordPress.com.