1. Sarimbun Landing Site

Site 1 - Sarimbun 

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Save for the WWII marker installed by the National Heritage Board, you would never have expected that during World War II this was the first place in Singapore that the Japanese set foot on. 

The incredible proximity between Johor and Singapore was evident, and I could only imagine what the defenders of the 22nd Australian Brigade were thinking as night settled in on the 8th of February 1942. Contrary to common belief, Singapore was not just defended by the British; Australians were involved which I did not know made up most of the defenders along Sarimbun and Kranji. They were let down by the logistical support that the British were supposed to provide in large spotlights to light up the straits of crossing and provide vision for the Australian defenders to fire upon the invading Japanese. Alas, the lights failed and the defenders were overrun and never stood chance. The odds they faced were overwhelming: 22 boats of at least 4000 Japanese soldiers crossed the straits throughout the night. The fighting must have been fierce and confusing and difficult for the coast of Sarimbun is filled with thick mangrove trees and muddy shores which might have slowed the Japanese down.

While the marker does make note of the gallant efforts of the defenders, little else has been heard of this little known location. There is no road sign that points you to this former battleground and I am left wondering if many other Singaporeans knew what took place in Sarimbun. Nevertheless, I am glad that I learnt something new about the invasion of Singapore instead of the usual stories that textbooks and the television focuses on. I feel that greater commemorative efforts could have been made with regards to this location because of its significance as the first place where the defence of Singapore began. 

Sources

Farrell, B. P. (2005). The defence and fall of Singapore 1940-1942. Great Britain, Stroud: Tempus.

National Heritage Board, Singapore in world war ii. Singapore: National Heritage Board.

Owen, Frank (1960) The fall of Singapore. England: Penguin.