5. Battle for Pasir Panjang

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Battle for Pasir Panjang Memorial

A fierce 48-hour “Battle for Pasir Panjang” sparked off in Kent Ridge Park, formerly known as Pasir Panjang Ridge, on 13 February 1942. A key strategic location which offered a gateway to the Alexandra area where the main ammunition and ordinance depots were situated.  As it was regarded as the final defence of Singapore by the British, the Malay Regiment put up a strong resistance against the Japanese forces. Unfortunately, their defensive forces were succumbed by the Japanese’s numerical superiority in troops and arms.

According to the sources provided by the National Heritage board (2004) and Samuel (2010), a bronze memorial plaque was put up at Carpark B in 1995 to commemorate the heroic sacrificial of Lieutenant Adnan Saidi and his men for their defence of Singapore. It was also intended for visitors to learn about the heritage of our nation.

As it was my first time visiting the Kent Ridge Park, I wondered what led to the renaming of Pasir Panjang Ridge. Based on the information given in Kent Ridge Heritage Trail signage as provided by the National Parks Board, the name Kent Ridge was adopted to commemorate a visit made by both the Duchess of Kent and her son, Duke of Kent in 1952. 

Looking at the surroundings while we travelled uphill to our destinated location, , it was considerably a steep slope. Deep down, I was curious about how the Japanese troops actually had the strength and energy to advance their way to Bukit Chandu. How long exactly would it take for them to travel by foot during those days? I was rather thankful to be born as a girl because I will never want to become a soldier as it would be such a tough life being a soldier!

Viewing from the top of the hill where the memorial plaque was located at, it provided a clear view of the surrounding landscapes for instance, the movement of the ships from the sea afar. Hence, I could forsee how the location of this area facilitated the British in monitoring the movements of the Japanese troops. Given that the location was located on an uphill area, it could also help the British to buy time in preparing their attacks while the Japanese made ther way through the forested areas. Observing the surroundings covered with forested areas, it does provide an advantage in allowing the Malay Regiment to camoflague themselves before springing their attacks against the Japanese. However, that also reminded me of Lieutentant Adnan where he was hanged on the tree by the Japanese.

In fact, the impression I had during my visit of Kent Ridge Park – a peaceful and windy place. Honestly, who would have known that such a gruesome battle had taken place during World War II in a place filled with nature and cool breeze without the construction of the memorial plaque. Although World War II ended many years ago, many of these traces might have been erased but the landscapes and terrains of Kent Ridge Park remained do portray how it was considered as a strategic location in being the defence line during the war. Personally, I find that the construction of the memorial plaque also served as a reminder for us that the peace we enjoy currently were built upon by the heroic and patriotic efforts of the Malay Regiment who had fiercely defended for our country. Their patriotic and heroic actions deserves our outmost respect for them and will be remembered by our future generations as well.

Sources: 

1. Chan, R. (2009). Kent Ridge Park. Retrieved January 24, 2015, from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1587_2009-10-26.html  

2. Devi, G. A. et al. (2004). Singapore's 100 historic places (p. 122). Singapore: Archipelago Press in association with National Heritage Board. 

3. Rahman, A. A., & Ahmad, N. (2005). The Battle of Opium Hill. Retrieved January 24, 2015, from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_457_2005-01-04.html

4. Samuel, D.S. (2010). Sinagpore's Heritage through places of historical interest (p.164). Singapore: Dhoraisingam S Samuel.