2. Kranji Site

 Site 2 - Kranji

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The British’s defence efforts of WWII have often been a subject of ridicule because of their premature withdrawal and Kranji bears this as well. As the Japanese forces began landing on Kranji simultaneously as in Sarimbun, they were met with boiling oil released from the nearby oil depots at Woodlands, which flowed down the coast and the drainage system. For once, the defenders had a fighting chance and the Japanese gained little foothold or ground in Kranji. Such was the great loss faced in the defence that the Japanese commanders were ordered to retreat. Before their order could be seriously considered, the British prematurely ordered the retreat of the defenders, leaving Kranji undefended and the Japanese advanced.

Standing at the marker on Kranji beach, I am reminded from my research that the actual place where the defenders took their stand was opposite the small causeway that separates the east side of Kranji beach from the west. The Japanese attacked from the west while the defenders held their positions from the east. Looking at the geography and terrain, one can truly understand the gargantuan task facing the Japanese in taking Kranji. There is no cover or concealment that allows a safe advance and the defenders had a clear sight of all advancing forces from the other side of Kranji. If not for their premature withdrawal, perhaps Singapore might have stood for many more days and the Japanese would have incurred more losses to dent their invasion efforts. There are many “could-haves” and “what-ifs”, but the reality was that the moment the defenders withdrew, this opened up the floodgates of Japanese invaders to take Tengah, Woodlands, Jurong and then move swiftly down towards Bukit Timah.

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.