Trail Blog Final Reflections - Gladys

Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Apart from the construction of the memorial plaque located at Kent Ridge Park, the Reflections at Bukit Chandu was also built in February 2002. Its construction as mentioned in Dr Tony Tan's speech release in 2002, was intended to foster a keener appreciation of our history among Singaporeans and to honour the gallant spirit of the Malay Regiment. 

Established by the National Heritage Board, Reflections at Bukit Chandu is situated at 31K Pepys Road, served as an interpretative centre built close to Kent Ridge Park (former battle site for the Battle of Pasir Panjang) for our visitors to reflect upon Singapore's heritage of heroism. The showcasing of artefacts, exhibits and multi-media were attempts of presenting the events that took place during the battle.

During my poly attachment in Pasir Panjang, I often came across the road signage "Reflections of Bukit Chandu" but never knew the purpose of its existence until today when I was about to visit the museum. If not for this heritage trail, I doubt I would ever know the intentions of showcasing the museum to the public. 

Before entering the museum, I noticed statues of the Malay Regiment soldiers being displayed at the entrance of the museum. The intricate details of the statues were able to exude the expressions of their heroic and bravery temperament. Panels were also put up on the sides of the wall which provided a name list of soldiers who participated in the battle for Pasir Panjang. Glancing through the long list of names who sacrificed during the battle, I could sense a tinge of sadness deep in my heart. 

                       

There was a remark made by our ex-minister, Mr George Yeo, which left a great impression in my mind. In his remark, he commented on the importance of recording the sacrifices made by our heroes and remembering them. It would indeed be in vain if we do not record and acknowledge their sacrifices during the war because these are efforts significant to our nation building. 

When I entered the museum, there were various maps on display showing the advancement of the Japanese troops during World War II. I believe that the showcasing of these exhibits would definitely provide a clear view and understanding on where the Japanese began their invasion and their advancement to the different parts of Singapore for visitors and students who visit the museum. 

Interactive and informative videos shown were a re-enactment of the events that took place during the battle where it also highlighted the story of Lieutenant Adnan. It was an enjoyable experience watching the video with the lights off and the use of sound and visual effects to bring out the tension during the war. 

Sources: 

1. National Heritage Board Homepage: Reflections at Bukit Chandu.Retrieved February 16, 2015, from http://www.nhb.gov.sg/ 

2. Rahman, A. A., & Ahmad, N. (2005). Lieutenant Adnan Saidi. Retrieved February 16, 2015 from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_456_2005-01-18.html 

3. Tan, T. (Director) (2002, February 15). Speech by Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan, at the opening of Reflection at Bukit Chandu - A World War II Interpretative Centre, 15 February 2002, 7.30 pm. The opening of Reflection at Bukit Chandu, Singapore - A World War II Interpretative Centre. Speech conducted from Reflections at Bukit Chandu, Singapore. Retrieved February 16, 2015, from http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=2002021503.htm 

Alexandra Barracks 

Unsure of its location, I was surprised that the Alexandra Barracks was located near the premises of Hort Park. To think that I spent six months working in Hort Park, I felt that I was rather ignorant about Singapore history. During the car ride around the premises of the previously known Alexandra Barracks, I was not to visualise how it actually looked like back then as there were not much traces left on site except for the preservation and conservation of infrastructure which resembled like the British colonial houses.

The vicinity seemed to have undergo quite a major revamp because the premises comprised of educational institutions like SP Jain and a pre-school. The current Hort Park is situated beside SP Jain as mentioned earlier. There were a stretch of houses in which the architectural structure resembles like the former British colonial houses. Judging its appearance of the outside, it looked rather vintage, painted in mono colours i.e. black and white with its year of construction (1937) as seen on the exterior of the house. Although not much historical traces had been left as mentioned previously but the preservation of the British colonial houses do reflect the traces of the British's activity around the area. 

Apart from the lack of historical traces on site, there were also not much established records nor information that could be found pertaining to Alexandra Barracks. The lack of historical records on Alexandra Barracks could be due to the significance of its historical value in which it might not require much preservation of its story such that it could be passed down on the future generation. 

Alexandra Hospital 

The defeat in the Battle of Pasir Panjang led to the advancement of the Japanese forces through Kent Ridge to Alexandra Hospital (former Alexandra Military Hospital / British Military Hospital) in 14 February 1942. 

It was the site where the horrifying massacre took place in which the Japanese troops bayonetted a total of 250 patients and staff members according to a published source written by Dhoraisingnam S Samuel. Even an anaesthetised patient found lying on the operating table was not spared by the Japanese. About 400 patients and staff were locked up in a nearby staff bungalow. Based on the published records from the National Hertiage Board, the reason for the massacre was due to an act of retaliation by the Japanese forces against soldiers from the 22nd Punjabi Regiment whom they thought were firing at them from the hospital grounds. 

In recognition of the crucial role and efforts (provision of medical aid) which Alexandra Hospital played during World War II and to commemorate the loss of innocent lives in the massacre, the Nationa Heritage Board marked the hospital as historical site on 15 September 1998. 

The thought where the brutal massacre took away many innocent lives of the people, I really felt the pinch for the deceased - what a wrongful death! Initial impressions which I had prior to the visit was that the hospital was built by merchant in the past. However, I came to realise that it was the British who built the Alexandra Hospital. I was really amazed by the fact where General Yamashita apologised profusely for the shocking conduct of his soldiers as it seemed to provide another perspective in seeing the Japanese soldiers in a different light. This is because we always hear stories about the brutality of the Japanese troops and yet General Yamashita's act of apology seemed to portray the humane side of him. 

Even though the signage was built to educate the past to the future generations but given the location of the signage, I am unsure about who would really take notice of this plaque given that majority of the people come to the hospital either for consultation or visiting. Hence, I doubt many would know the existence of this plaque which was built in memory of the massacre which took place during the war - how much would it be remembered by the people? I guess probably only a handful. 

Sources:

1. Devi, G. A. et al. (2004). Singapore's 100 historic places (p. 119). Singapore: Archipelago Press in association with National Heritage Board.

2. National Library Board. (2014). The Alexandra Hospital massacre. Retrieved February 17, 2015, from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2014-04-07_090735.html

3. Samuel, D. S. (2010). Singapore's Heritage through places of historical interest (pp. 16-17). Singapore: Dhoraisingam S Samuel.

Causeway 

During World War II, the Causeway served as a link for both transportation and communication between Singapore and Malaya which stretched across the Johor Straits. After the capture of Malaysa by the Japanese, the Causeway became a vital role of Singapore's northern defences. In order to slow down the Japanese advances towards Singapore, the retreating defence forces set off two explosions on the Causeway. The second explosion resulted in a gap of 21.33 metres in the Causeway. 

Although the 27th Australian Brigade were able to deter the initial attacks from the Japanese but due its unilateral withdraw of the 27th Australian Brigade, the defence of the Causeway was abandoned which enabled the Japanese to carry out repair works while waiting for further reinforcements to enter Singapore borders. This in turn, contributed to the Japanese's success in capturing the North-western of Singapore and the Causeway which facilitated their further advancements in the Bukit Timah area where the source of water, rations and ammunition were located. 

It was my second time visiting Woodlands Waterfront and yet I was completely unaware about the existence of a World War II marker located at a corner of the park. However, upon locating the marker of the Causeway, I was taken aback by its condition. It was really worn off badly which you can see a visible tear on the surface. 

The descriptions on the signage were blurry in which I wonder how does it form under understanding the heritage of our nation. It appears that nobody knew how badly the signage was ruined. I felt really disappointed and disheartened looking at how "well" it was preserved. The other side of the panel was missing as well. I am not sure whether the poor condition of the signage was contributed by the weathering process or vandalisation. Nonetheless, I got a little curious about the impression of visitors who came across this marker. Would they be interested to look at it given how it has been maintained? Does the condition of the marker signifies the level of importance in terms of preserving history? Will it serve any purposed in education educating our past to our future generations given its poor condition? 

When observing the surroundings, it shows a clear view of Johor on the opposite side of the coast. The view is lovely! Based on this observations, it is quite evident that Singapore is situated closely to Malaysia - with the Causeway linked in between. Hence, it also explained how convenient it was for the Japanese troops to cycle their way through via the Causeway to reach the Singapore borders. 

Sources: 

1. Chan, R. et al. (n.d.). Singapore in World War II. Singapore: National Heritage Board

2. Chua, A. (2004). The Causeway. Retrieved Februrary 17, 2015, from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_99_2004-12-30.html?s=causeway

Sarimbun Beach Landing (Sarimbun Beach Battle Site)

Advancing their moves in the darkness as a cover and with the aid of assaults boats and barges, the Japanese forces landed on the coastline between Lim Chu Kang Road and Sarimbun Beach on the night of 8^th February. Guarded by the 22^nd Australian Brigade, the defence forces only managed to deter the first launch of attacks as they were overwhelmed by the numerical superiority of the Japanese troops.

The overstretching of the Australian forces was due to a shortage of defence troops, with only 750 soldiers guarding the defence lines, which led to the gaps in their defences along the coastline from Sungei Kranji to Sungei Berih. This also resulted in the Japanese’s success in wiping them out and forcing their retreat to new defence lines. The Japanese’s breakthrough of the defences led to the capture of the Tengah Airbase. Hence, the Sarimbun Beach was marked as the landing site of the Japanese and the first battle between the British/Australian and Japanese forces in Singapore by the National Heritage Board.  

Prior to my visit to the Sarimbun Beach landing site, I wondered of its location as I had never really heard of this name previously. When we reached the site, I found the place rather remote because it does not appear to be the kind of place where people who really hang out in such areas.

Looking at the surroundings where the marker was located, it was a long stretch of patched grasses where you can vaguely see the mangrove coastlines ahead. As the area was located near the shorelines, the government cordoned off the area to avoid foreign immigrants from entering Singapore borders illegally given that there were nearby construction sites around it.

Although we could not proceed further to get a clear view of it but judging from the mangrove-lined coastlines, we can easily draw inferences from the site where the Japanese troops advanced into Singapore borders via boats and launching their attacks against the defence lines upon landing.

Also, the whole stretch of coastline seems to be quite a large area in which it would definitely require a lot of defence troops to deter the Japanese attacks. Noticing the surroundings covered with densely populated trees, I can foresee how difficult it would be in spotting the advancement of the Japanese troops at night because it would be considerably dark around the premises to monitor the coastlines. This also explained why the Japanese chose to advance through during the night so that they could launch a sneak attack against the defence forces given that the darkness gave them an advantage to proceed without being easily discovered and pre-empt where they might land.  

Sources:

1. Chan, R. et al. (n.d.). Singapore in World War II. Singapore: National Heritage Board.

2. Devi, G. A. et al. (2004). Singapore's 100 historic places (p. 127). Singapore: Archipelago Press in association with National Heritage Board.

3. National Heritage Board (2014). Battle of Singapore: The Landing of the Japanese Forces. Retrieved February 20, 2015, from National Heritage Board: Battle of Singapore (Commemorative Activities)

Kranji Beach Battle Site

Landed on Kranji Beach during the low tide at dawn, the Kranji Beach Battle sparked off on 10^th February where the defending Allied Forces put up a strong resistance against the Japanese forces. Impeded by the muddy shore, the Allied Forces seized this opportunity to plan a counterattack against the incoming Japanese troops. Oil was released from the nearby Woodlands fuel depot into the sea and ignited, resulted their victory in wiping out the first batch of Japanese forces. Unfortunately, the misinterpretation of General Percival’s orders led to the immediate abandoning of positions at Kranji by the Allied Forces which facilitated the consolidation of the Japanese invasion of Singapore.

When we arrived at the site of the Kranji Beach Battle, we saw a vast view of the Kranji Beach. From the vast sea view, it is rather evident how the Allied Forces tapped on the use of the beach to release the oil into the waters such that the fire could spread across through the current flow upon ignition. Observing the entire stretch of the coastlines, we can also see the connections between the various coastlines including the Sarimbun beach linking to the Causeway.

Honestly, when I reviewed the site, I do admire the quick wits of the Allied Forces in adopting the strategy of releasing oil into the waters and igniting them as an attempt to resist the Japanese forces. However, I find it a pity and disappointed when the Allied Forces abandoned their positions in the defence line due to the misinterpretation of orders. I often wonder what the outcome would be if the defence forces remained in their positions and battled till their last breath. 

Although I am aware that the Kranji Beach Battle was one of the battle sites during World War II. However, I felt a little unsure the rationale in commemorating this site because it was not completely the case where the Allied Forces fought valiantly and sacrificed heroically during the battle given that they abandoned their positions when they somewhat held the upper held initially. Furthermore, I do feel curious too about the lessons that could be drawn from this in educating our future generations other than the site showed the advancements of the Japanese troops.

Sources:
1. Chan, R. et al. (n.d.). Singapore in World War II. Singapore: National Heritage Board.

2. Devi, G. A. et al. (2004). Singapore's 100 historic places (p. 127). Singapore: Archipelago Press in association with National Heritage Board. 

Bukit Timah Battle Site (Bukit Timah Hill Marker) 

Marked as a historic site, Bukit Timah was seized by the Japanese as Bukit Timah Road provided the main access to the North of the island to the city and the South. On top of that, it was a crucial location for the British as most of their food staples and supplies like petrol, oil and supply depots were stored there. The misinterpretation of General Percival’s order during the Kranji Beach Battle resulted in the premature withdrawal of the Allied forces which enabled the further advancements of the Japanese forces to Bukit Panjang junction towards Bukit Timah Village. Shortly after the capture of the Bukit Timah Village, Bukit Timah Hill became their next target in mind where the entire Bukit Timah fell into their hands on 11 February 1942 due to the Japanese’s artillery superiority despite the strong resistance by the Allied forces.

Upon reaching the site, it was quite a disappointment as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was closed for repair and restoration works since last September. Hence, our group was not able to make much observations from the site given its closure which I personally find it a pity. Nonetheless, I still look forward to visit the Bukit Timah Hill marker when it is open to the public in two years' time. Having been to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve previously, I do feel a tinge of regret for not taking a close look or even to notice this historical plaque in which we tend to take this form of war monuments for granted at times. 

Sources: 

1.   Chan, R. et al. (n.d.). Singapore in World War II. Singapore: National Heritage Board.

2.   Devi, G. A. et al. (2004). Singapore's 100 historic places (p. 124). Singapore: Archipelago Press in association with National Heritage Board.

3. Ho, S. (2013). Battle of Singapore. Retrieved February 21, 2015, from  http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2013-07-19_113523.html 

Bukit Timah Village 

The Bukit Timah Village was captured by the Japanese on 10^th February 1942 resulted by the premature withdrawal of the Allied Forces. Its capture facilitated the Japanese forces to seize the Bukit Timah Hill thereafter leading to the fall of the Bukit Timah into their hands.

In fact, I had never heard of the place “Bukit Timah Village” and neither was I aware of its existence. Prior to our group visit to the site where Bukit Timah Village was situated, I was rather doubtful of its existence. In order to get a clear view of where the Bukit Timah Village was roughly located, our group went up to the highest floor of the Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. Unfortunately, it was not easy to trace or visualise how the village looked like given that the area is currently undergoing construction works due to the opening of the Downtown Line station in 2017. 

It is rather astonishing towards the rationale where this segment of our history was not chosen for commemoration. Probably it had to do with its significance during the Japanese invasion. There were not much historical traces that we could find on site and even in books or via Internet, with regards to sources and information relating to Bukit Timah Village were limited as well. It seemed that Bukit Timah Village remained somewhat as a mystery or an unknown history to me. 

Sources:

1. Chan, R. et al. (n.d.). Singapore in World War II. Singapore: National Heritage Board.

Memories at Old Ford Factory 

Situated at 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, the Ford Factory marks the site where Lieutenant General A.E. Percival surrendered unconditionally to the Imperial Japanese Army, General Yamashita on 15^th February 1942. Realising that it was impossible in recapturing MacRitchie Reservoir and the supplies depot in Bukit Timah as the Japanese had successfully captured the northern and south-western sections of Singapore Island, General Percival and his military staff unanimously agreed to the surrender, hoping to spare the citizens from the horrors of the urban warfare given the bleak circumstances they were facing.

Marching up along the curved road to the Ford Factory, General Percival met and negotiated with General Yamashita on the surrender. The signing of the surrender document at the Boardroom in Ford Factory marked the end of the continuous British rule and the beginning of the three-and-a-half years of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore and Malaya.

Upon arrival at the Ford Factory, our group walked through the curved road leading to the Ford Factory. As I was walking upwards, I attempted to reflect on the feelings which the British had at that time prior to the signing of the surrender document. They must have felt very heavy-hearted during their march. Those kinds of feelings which they had at that moment would have been indescribable. Before entering the Ford Factory, I noticed that there were several boards displayed at the sides showing the events that took place and information during the Battle of Singapore.

When we entered the museum, there was a showcase of the boardroom for viewers to look at how it looked like from the outside. A panel was placed in front of it to narrate the conversation between Generals Percival and Yamashita during the signing of the surrender document. Glancing through the conversation between them written on the panel, it appeared that General Yamashita was rather domineering with his words and the British did not had much say during the signing of the surrender document which I feel it could be due to Japanese’s victory which contributed them in having the upper hand of the situation and during the negotiation.

While viewing the other exhibits in the museum, there were displays of the currency used by the people and the food that were available during the Japanese Occupation for instance, tapioca.  

Sources: 

1. Devi, G. A. et al. (2004). Singapore's 100 historic places (p. 126). Singapore: Archipelago Press in association with National Heritage Board. 

2.  Samuel, D. S. (2010). Singapore's Heritage through places of historical interest (pp. 81-88). Singapore: Dhoraisingam S Samuel.

3. Wang, M. H., Lau, J. (2009). Heritage Places of Singapore. (pp. 217-218). Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions.