fall of singapore

[anniversary]

Whilst in the UK and Australia, there has been lots of newspaper and tv coverage to mark the anniversary of the fall of Singapore, there hasn't been much publicity actually in Singapore.  Does anyone know of any ceremonies her to mark the occasion?

[True Blue Brit]

Not something we are proud about - the population in Sinagpore of 1942 were defeated - why should anybody celebrate?

The Japanese that conquered this pearl -enforced severe hardship on this region and people

Unfortunately I was not aware of this in my history lessons in the UK when I grew up - only European history was taught then.

This whole region was probably "hurt" more than anything that the Nazis could have thought about - those Japanese were %^*#@#&"

Try reading "the rape of Nanking" or anything to do with Auchwitz - and compare...

To my Singaporean Hosts - My apologies for "the Brits" not having a better battle plan in 1941/2 - but I'm sure we did our best - as we would again in similar circumstances

(I should start singing "rule Britania" - but I won't)

TBB

[Saga]

The fall of SG is a long and not uncomplicated story.  The conclusion is however that the allies surrendered SG to a force (Japs) one third the size of the allies (combined Brits and Aussies).  With hindsight they should have fought to the end instead of giving up.  The Japs were brutal murderers and how they (the Japs) can hold their heads up is a mystery.

Churchill abandoned SG focussing more on Europe and only when Australia "insisted" that another division of Brits was sent to SG but it was too late (decision taken too late and Winston was not decisive enough) that division also surrendered.  Australia felt that the Japs were on their way down the Malay penninsula towards Austrlia, and they were and subsequently bombed Darwin many times.  

In retrospect, it seems rediculous to think that 1/3 force could cause the larger, arguably superior Allied army to capitualte and let the Japs take over.  We all know what happened next.

[AliB]

I attended a very moving service at Kranjie War Cemetery yesterday morning to mark the 60th anniversary. There is a large contingent of Australian veterans currently in Singapore and to see these now extremely elderly men and women who served with the fallen in the cemetery was an occasion I shall never forget.

Interestingly they appear to be getting more coverage in Oz than they are here. Although there was a large article about WW2 in yesterday's ST.

[Aussie too]

Yes, there was a ceremony at Kranjie, but you can go to the Battlebox at Fort Canning anytime and see a 'live' version of the surrender of the British to the Japanese.  It is very well done.  Also try reading the book 'Tanamera' which traces the fall of Singapore, there are many books on the subject.

[anniversary]

True Blue Brit,
I didn't say it should be celebrated for goodness sake!  What I meant was why was there so little publicity remembering all the brave people who suffered hardships during this time?  It was such an important date in the history of Singapore, yet there is hardly any mention of it here.  The UK and Oz newspapers are full of it.

[antoine]

I don't get it...
Why would the defeated, want to celebrate the event...
Unless I do not know the meaning of "celebrate".
Is it me or is this some crazy misnomer, I saw the titles everywhere, and thought "the printer's imp, seems to be everywhere  these days."
I do not understand the use of the word celebrate...

Even if what Saga posted was only half true, (at the time of writing I do not know that history)what is there to celebrate/be joyous about.
from the Sg side...

Not to rouse any unnecessary sensitivities, but the victors may just feel they should attend one of these days where they will be awarded for their victory.

AliB
Was the ceremony cheerful/cheery or tearful/tear-y?
I really want to get this one.

[Snaffled]

It is not a question of celebrating the fall of Singapore.  It is celebrating the honour and lives of those men and women who died trying to defend it.  
It is not about the overall politics or questionable decision making by the commanders of the two foes, but rather about remembrance of those who had to fight in order to keep the world free of a great tyranny.  
The cruelty and racism that had been taught and bred into Japan in the previous couple of generations was truly shocking and manifested itself in the treatment of prisoners and civilians in places all over Asia.  (If you are ever in Nanjing, visit the museum dedicated to the victims of the massacre for a truly sobering experience - or read John Rabe's diaries)
Anyone who worked and fought to remove that tyranny deserves great celebration of their life and I think that's what it is about.  
So if you meet any of the veterans of that terrible time, try saying 'Thank you', the Singapore we ive in is an infinitely better place thanks to their sacrifice.

[antoine]

Snaffled
Thanx, I have some time, I will bone up on that story...cannot get to Nanjing, until about Dec., when I will be in that area, God willing, I will remember that.

"Celebrate" is not the term though, unless, as is becoming more popular in some places, rather than mourn the death/loss, it is said that they are "celebrating the life" of the dear departed.
Times are a changing...or just changing for me.
Peace

[Petova]

Another good historical (not hysterical) reference is Peter Elphick's "Singapore  -  the Pregnable Fortress."

Paperback version is available in most bookstores for about $17.00.

[True Blue Brit]

Anniversary

Wrong wording, my apologies - I too was a little "concerned" that my Singaporean working colleagues were not aware of this historical date

[Cruizin']

AliB,
It is great to see people acknowledging such an event, My Uncle is the person who was in charge of bringing those Australian Veterans back to Singapore and i think it is great that these elderly men have come back as most of them were POWs here.
I have alot of respect and admiration for these men and women and i think that the younger generation can learn alot from such people.

Cheers

[Chiku]

The reason for the lack of publicity is because the generation that have been through it all is still around and most of them do not want to talk about it.  Old grannies can't even bring themselves to tell the ordeal to their grandchildren.  They choke at the mere mention of the event.  It was a time of great suffering and humuliation.

[southern cross]

Dear All

The Singapore Government does acknowledge the contribution of the Allied forces during WW 2.

What is being done yearly is to commemorate not celebrate the fall of Singapore and the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers who gave their lives defending this island.

In this respect, Feb 15th is also Total Defence Day and was "celebrated" in the schools, in particular, where school children are taught to be alert and not be complacent about Singapore's security especially in light of the arrest of the suspected terrorists in Singapore.

If you were to read the Straits Times (16 Feb), the event held at the Kranji War Memorial to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore takes up one full page.

While in the New Paper, there was an article of a school which simulated the terrors of war so that the school children are made more aware of what war means.

I have been to the Kranji War Memorial several times and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place.  There is a certain quietness and if I could blow the bugle, I would play the Last Post for these  heroes who died many thousands of miles away from home.

And although I did not experience the war itself, I heard enough from my parents to know that while Singapore fell, it was not through the lack of will or courage of the Allied soldiers.

In this respect, if we want to celebrate the event, we should then celebrate the human spirit; where men fought and gave their lives for freedom.

[dunno much about history]

It's all history. After a while who cares. Today and tomorrow is what matters.