SINGAPORE EXPATS FORUM
Singapore Expat Forum and Message Board for Expats in Singapore & Expatriates Relocating to Singapore
Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
-
- Chatter
- Posts: 190
- Joined: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 9:57 pm
Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of VE day. There were commemorations across Europe.
It got me wondering: why doesn't Singapore make any real attempt to remember the second world war? Many thousands of people died here to defend and then liberate the country.
Nothing happens here by accident, so there must be a conscious reason. Does anyone know?
It got me wondering: why doesn't Singapore make any real attempt to remember the second world war? Many thousands of people died here to defend and then liberate the country.
Nothing happens here by accident, so there must be a conscious reason. Does anyone know?
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
Good question. Maybe they don't want to risk offending influential neighbours?
[In Japan itself, in my experience, it's verging on a taboo subject. I don't know if they have a 'war museum' as such, there is the Yasukuni Shrine to the war dead, but it's a source of routine controversy as it attracts the local equivalent of neo-Nazis, ultra-Nationalists].
Is it covered at the 'National Museum of Singapore'? It's so long since I've been that I've forgotten...
There is the http://www.changimuseum.sg/ - but that's way off the beaten-track for most people.
[In Japan itself, in my experience, it's verging on a taboo subject. I don't know if they have a 'war museum' as such, there is the Yasukuni Shrine to the war dead, but it's a source of routine controversy as it attracts the local equivalent of neo-Nazis, ultra-Nationalists].
Is it covered at the 'National Museum of Singapore'? It's so long since I've been that I've forgotten...
There is the http://www.changimuseum.sg/ - but that's way off the beaten-track for most people.
'Do it or do not do it: You will regret both' - Kierkegaard
- sundaymorningstaple
- Moderator
- Posts: 39771
- Joined: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 1:26 pm
- Location: Retired on the Little Red Dot
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
There is also the Ford Factory where the surrender took place as well.
http://www.yoursingapore.com/see-do-sin ... ctory.html
http://www.yoursingapore.com/see-do-sin ... ctory.html
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers
- Strong Eagle
- Moderator
- Posts: 11504
- Joined: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 12:13 am
- Location: Off The Red Dot
- Contact:
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
You may also recall that the British had guns pointing seaward, at Labrador Park, to repel the expected Japanese invasion from the south. Only, they came from the north and the British high command refused to turn the guns northward, leaving Singapore a sitting duck for the invading forces. Not much to celebrate, and the image of British 'invincibility' was forever shattered.
-
- Chatter
- Posts: 190
- Joined: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 9:57 pm
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
That's the only narrative my wife has: Singapore was abandoned by the British.
Mention Sook Ching, Lim Bo Seng or Operation Tiderace, and she's a complete blank.
Mention Sook Ching, Lim Bo Seng or Operation Tiderace, and she's a complete blank.
-
- Reporter
- Posts: 549
- Joined: Thu, 03 Jan 2008 1:12 am
- Location: Singapore
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
Historians have mostly debunked this version of events, as the guns *were* turned around and hit targets across Singapore and Johore. The problem was lack of High Explosive rounds which might have inflicted heavy casualties on the invading forces, whereas the armour-piercing rounds (anti-ship) were not effective. Additionally, the flat-trajectory of anti-naval guns doesn't work across land so well.Strong Eagle wrote:You may also recall that the British had guns pointing seaward, at Labrador Park, to repel the expected Japanese invasion from the south. Only, they came from the north and the British high command refused to turn the guns northward, living Singapore a sitting duck for the invading forces. Not much to celebrate, and the image of British 'invincibility' was forever shattered.
The British did also anticipate invading forces form the north - in fact there was a military plan, Operation Matador, that was all about protecting Singapore from the Malay peninsular. This plan was in place as early as the first WW.
However, come WWII, Churchill procrastinated on the plan, diverting resources to the middle east and Russia. That left a couple of British Indian units and an Aussie battalion protecting the north without tanks, aeroplanes etc. The Japanese "bicycle infantry" were more mobile and effective at jungle warfare, despite fewer numbers and that led to "the worst capitulation in British history" as Churchill put it.
One also wonders if Churchill allowed the little red dot to be taken to force the dithering USA into the war.
But as for the guns at Sentosa & Labrador Park...there was never any naval attack from the south so it looks like they fulfilled their role :p
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Tideracesingapore eagle wrote:That's the only narrative my wife has: Singapore was abandoned by the British.
Mention Sook Ching, Lim Bo Seng or Operation Tiderace, and she's a complete blank.
Perhaps she should should meet my father and suggest that to him

He was on a ship amongst a British Navy fleet headed for Singapore as the war in Europe was ending ('VE') and, and it was continuing in Asia, WW2 finally ending with 'VJ'.
Moving fleets takes time, not least with diminished resources and hugely long supply lines. They'd already done stops en route in various colonies, Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Palestine (now Israel), Egypt, and Aden (now incorporated into Yemen).
Perhaps there were other fleets en route, I don't know, but he was Singapore bound, and had got as far as Aden when VJ was declared.
'Do it or do not do it: You will regret both' - Kierkegaard
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
I dont think the world wars are remembered in any of the colonies. My guess is, it is because during the world wars, the troops represented the colonial masters and not the colonies themselves. In India too, nobody remembers it. We are only taught about the freedom struggle and our own independence day.singapore eagle wrote:Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of VE day. There were commemorations across Europe.
It got me wondering: why doesn't Singapore make any real attempt to remember the second world war? Many thousands of people died here to defend and then liberate the country.
Nothing happens here by accident, so there must be a conscious reason. Does anyone know?
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
I wonder how SG might look today if the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan) hadn't been forced to surrender by the Allied powers. Seems curious that's not something that is taught and considered in Asia (?) today. Or perhaps not.
Britain was occupied by the Roman Army 2,000 years ago... and children are still comprehensively taught about it at school. Then the bloody French (;)) trying to invade in 1066.... we spent forever on that... and yet longer on the Spanish Armada (attempted invasion) 1588.
Perhaps it is like collecting antiques, a lot of Asians seem really puzzled why it's a thing for many non-Asians to pay lots to collect 'old stuff'
p.s. My late father-in-law (SGn) lived through the JPnese occupation here in SG; I believe they conscripted him into some admin work role. He had some interesting reminiscences. My mother spent her pre-teens living through the Nazi occupation of her continental European country.
Add it all together (with my father and other relatives) and it gives something of a kaleidoscope of experiences from various points around the world.
What do they say, something like; 'Understand your past, to better gauge your future'.
Britain was occupied by the Roman Army 2,000 years ago... and children are still comprehensively taught about it at school. Then the bloody French (;)) trying to invade in 1066.... we spent forever on that... and yet longer on the Spanish Armada (attempted invasion) 1588.
Perhaps it is like collecting antiques, a lot of Asians seem really puzzled why it's a thing for many non-Asians to pay lots to collect 'old stuff'

p.s. My late father-in-law (SGn) lived through the JPnese occupation here in SG; I believe they conscripted him into some admin work role. He had some interesting reminiscences. My mother spent her pre-teens living through the Nazi occupation of her continental European country.
Add it all together (with my father and other relatives) and it gives something of a kaleidoscope of experiences from various points around the world.
What do they say, something like; 'Understand your past, to better gauge your future'.
'Do it or do not do it: You will regret both' - Kierkegaard
-
- Chatter
- Posts: 190
- Joined: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 9:57 pm
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
I can completely see why that would be the case in India. But Japan occupied Singapore, and when they were here they weren't exactly friendly to the local population.Wd40 wrote:I dont think the world wars are remembered in any of the colonies. My guess is, it is because during the world wars, the troops represented the colonial masters and not the colonies themselves. In India too, nobody remembers it. We are only taught about the freedom struggle and our own independence day.singapore eagle wrote:Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of VE day. There were commemorations across Europe.
It got me wondering: why doesn't Singapore make any real attempt to remember the second world war? Many thousands of people died here to defend and then liberate the country.
Nothing happens here by accident, so there must be a conscious reason. Does anyone know?
Re: RE: Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
singapore eagle wrote:I can completely see why that would be the case in India. But Japan occupied Singapore, and when they were here they weren't exactly friendly to the local population.Wd40 wrote:I dont think the world wars are remembered in any of the colonies. My guess is, it is because during the world wars, the troops represented the colonial masters and not the colonies themselves. In India too, nobody remembers it. We are only taught about the freedom struggle and our own independence day.singapore eagle wrote:Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of VE day. There were commemorations across Europe.
It got me wondering: why doesn't Singapore make any real attempt to remember the second world war? Many thousands of people died here to defend and then liberate the country.
Nothing happens here by accident, so there must be a conscious reason. Does anyone know?
The reason that applies for India applies for Singapore too. Only difference is in Singapore's case there were 2 colonial masters involved instead of 1.
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
They weren't exactly friendly to the captured Brits either who were held in a POW camp (ditto in Batam, Burma, etc IIRC).singapore eagle wrote:I can completely see why that would be the case in India. But Japan occupied Singapore, and when they were here they weren't exactly friendly to the local population.
Anyway... that's enough from me I think...
'Do it or do not do it: You will regret both' - Kierkegaard
Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
Meaning ?Wd40 wrote:. Only difference is in Singapore's case there were 2 colonial masters involved instead of 1.
Am a bit lost there
Re: RE: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
L
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kranji_War_Memorial
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cenotaph,_Singapore
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_War_Memorial
Singapore honours the British Australian and Americans who died during WW2 with a Ceremony at Kranji war memorial, can't recall when it happenssingapore eagle wrote: Nothing happens here by accident, so there must be a conscious reason. Does anyone know?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kranji_War_Memorial
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cenotaph,_Singapore
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_War_Memorial
Last edited by ecureilx on Sun, 10 May 2015 10:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Why doesn't Singapore remember World War II?
Or, Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.JR8 wrote:What do they say, something like; 'Understand your past, to better gauge your future'.
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
-
Landlord doesn’t agree to change occupants
by Harry1313 » Wed, 13 Mar 2019 9:59 pm » in Property Talk, Housing & Rental - 2 Replies
- 1746 Views
-
Last post by sheshen
Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:54 pm
-
-
-
Retard NAS blogger trying to move here. Pray ICA sees sense and doesn't let him in.
by PNGMK » Sat, 23 Mar 2019 6:19 pm » in PR, Citizenship, Passes & Visas for Foreigners - 14 Replies
- 4928 Views
-
Last post by x9200
Sun, 31 Mar 2019 11:57 am
-
-
-
What if candidate doesn't want to continue to work in SG after getting the EP
by Andyandy » Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:11 pm » in PR, Citizenship, Passes & Visas for Foreigners - 7 Replies
- 2305 Views
-
Last post by sundaymorningstaple
Thu, 13 Feb 2020 1:02 am
-
-
-
Looking for friends all over the world living/on vacation in Singapore!
by Peter94 » Fri, 18 May 2018 8:12 pm » in Newcomer's Lounge - 3 Replies
- 2592 Views
-
Last post by sundaymorningstaple
Sun, 20 May 2018 12:39 am
-
-
-
Jimmy Eat World live in Singapore 2020
by ImpactLive » Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:53 pm » in Entertainment, Leisure & Sports - 0 Replies
- 1336 Views
-
Last post by ImpactLive
Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:53 pm
-
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 37 guests