Year 2001
The Last British Parade in Singapore
Friday, 29th October 1971
It was a spot lit farewell parade, the Last Parade, at Kangaw Barracks in Sembawang for Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burnett, the last British Commander-in-Chief, Far East, and his three service commanders at dusk today. It marked the end of a hectic posting for Sir Brian, who oversaw the last 17 months of the final British military rundown and the setting up of the new Anzuk Force (Australia, New Zealand and the UK). He was accompanied at the saluting dais by his three service commanders – Rear Adm J.A.R. Troup, Commander, Far East Fleet, Maj-Gen W.B. Thomas, Army Commander and Air Vice Marshal N.M. Maynard, Commander of the Far East Air Force.
SADC (RSAF) Was Formed
Sunday, 1st September 1968
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) predecessor , the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC), was formed. The SADC’s immediate task was to set up the Flying Training School to train pilots. the first batch of six pilot trainees were sent to the United Kingdom to undergo training in various technical disciplines. The training was based on the Hawker Hunter, the SADC’s first air defence fighter. The rotary wing, were sent to France to begin their technical training on the Aerospatiale Alouette III helicopter.
National Service Act
Tuesday, 14th March 1967
The National Service Bill (Amendment) 1967 was first read in Parliament on 27 Feb 1967. After a spirited debate in Parliament, the NS Act was passed.
First National Service Call-Up
Tuesday, 21st February 1967
The first National Service, compulsory military training, call-up of 9,000 youths for the independent nation was initiated on this day the then Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew (LKY). The cream of Singapore's youths would have to serve two years in the Armed Forces on leaving school. Eligible for call-up were those whose 18th birthday fell on or after 1 January 1967.
Japan Made To Pay $50 million In War Reparations
Tuesday, 25th October 1966
The Government of Singapore made a request to Japan for reparations and an apology. On 25 October 1966, Japan agreed to pay $50 million in compensation, half of which as a grant and the other half as a loan. Japan did not make an official apology.
Singapore celebrated its first National Day
Tuesday, 9th August 1966
The main event of the first Singapore National Day was a National Day parade involving 23,000 men, women and children which was held at the Padang. , At exactly 9 am was the arrival of the Republic's first President, Yusof bin Ishak and was met by Defence Minister cum Colonel of the Singapore Artillery, Dr Goh Keng Swee. Already seated the steps of the City Hall were Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Cabinet Members, Members of Parliament and invited guests. Then the National Anthem was played with a Presidential salute, and then, escorted by Doctor Goh, the President reviewed the parade Guard of Honor. This was followed by the start of the march past. The finale brought crashing cymbals, gongs, thundering drums and a mass display of 60 lions and dragons dance. The event ended at 10.30 am.
Singapore separates from Malaysia
Monday, 9th August 1965
For Singapore, 9 August 1965 was no ceremonial occasion. The Malaysian Parliament votes, 2 days ago on 7 August 1965, to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes independent after separating from Malaysia. One of the more poignant moments which many Singaporeans, this is the time Mr Lee Kuan Yew cried on Television during a meet the press session on the separation of Singapore from Malaysia. His speech included this quote: "For me, it is a moment of anguish. All my life, my whole adult life, I have believed in merger and unity of the two territories."
MacDonald House bombed
Wednesday, 10th March 1965
MacDonald House (formerly also known as Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building) bombing by Indonesian saboteurs killed 3 people, during the konfrontasi period (between Indonesia and Malaysia). Singapore became the target of multiple terror attack. Then Indonesian president Sukarno was openly opposed to the merging of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, and ordered armed attacks in East Malaysia, incited revolts in Brunei and carried out sabotage activities in West Malaysia and Singapore. Two HSBC Bank employees were killed and 33 injured.
The Singapore-Malaysia Causeway Closed
Wednesday, 22nd July 1964
Due to Race Riots in Malaysia and Singapore, the causeway was closed from 22 to 26 July 1964.
Malay-Chinese Race Riot
Tuesday, 21st July 1964
Street violent left 21 persons deal and 460 injured. The day itself was suppose to be a peaceful day as was the anniversary of the prophet's birth. 25,000 Muslim had gather on the Padang to observe the day and the group began to move towards Geylang. Fighting started as the main body somewhere along Kallang Road between the Chinese and the Malays. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and several other foreign observers attributed the riots as the result of agitation by Syed Jaafar Albar and other elements of the ultra-nationalist faction in UMNO.
Major Events 1 Nation Building 3 People 3 Places 12 Politics 3 Religion 1
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