Year 2012

Tag: WW2

Island-wide Air Raid Siren Sounded At Around Noon

Wednesday, 15th February 2012

They are part of the events lined up to mark the 70th anniversary of the fall of Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Singaporeans remembered and learned valuable lessons from the resilience and strength of spirit that their forefathers demonstrated during the Japanese Occupation. He said in the midst of this dark chapter in the country's history, they endured tremendous hardship between 1942 and 1945. Many struggled to rebuild their dreams, homes, lives and adapted in the face of hardship and challenges.


The Civilian War Memorial

Wednesday, 15th February 1967

The Civilian Memorial was officially unveiled by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the people of Singapore. Religious rites were conducted by officials of the Inter-Religious Organisation and a three-minute silence was observed in honour of the dead during the Japanese Occupation (from 15 Feb 1942 to 15 Aug 1945). Those present included the victims' families, members of the diplomatic corps (including the Japanese Ambassador), religious chiefs and representatives from the four races. Costing an estimated $500,000 (Singapore Dollars), one of the characteristics of the Memorial is its height of 61 metres and its four columns. The columns represent the four races joined together at the base - signifying the unity of all races. Construction of the Memorial began in June 1966 and was completed in 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.


Japanese Military Officer Hanged

Thursday, 26th June 1947

The British authorities in Singapore held a war crimes trial for the perpetrators of the Sook Ching Massacre. Seven Japanese officers including Lieutenant-Colonel Masayuki Oishi were charged with the execution of the massacre. Oishi received the death penalty and was hanged.


Lim Bo Seng was given full Military Honours

Sunday, 13th January 1946

The Late Lim Bo Seng, the leader of the Force 136 Chinese Agents, was posthumously given full mililtary honours at a ceremony in front of City Hall, then call the Municipal Building, to commemorate his contribution to the anti-Japanese resistance.


Lord Mountbatten in Singapore

Wednesday, 12th September 1945

The city commemerates the end of the war and Japanese rule in Singapore with Admiral Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander of the Southeast Asia Theatre, arrived in Singapore. Admiral Mountbatten later read the Japanese surrender address on the steps of the City Hall in front of the Padang. Lord Louis Mountbatten acted as the British High Command in Singapore from 12 September 1945 to 1 April 1946. Sir Shenton Thomas was the Governor of the Straits Settlements during the same period.


Japanese General Gathers His Soldier

Saturday, 18th August 1945

General Itagaki, commander-in-chief of the 7th Area Japanese Army, ordered all officers and civil officers to his headquarters in Raffles College. He warned them to remain passive and not cause trouble. And to prepare themselves for the coming of the British. They were ordered to build for themselves a concentration camp in Jurong. The Japanese community in Singapore had kept the news to themselves as they prepare to leave Singapore.


End of WW2 in Singapore

Wednesday, 15th August 1945

On 15 August 1945 at 12 noon, the Japanese Forces surrendered unconditionally to the Allies bringing an end to the East Asian front of World War II. In Singapore, Japanese troops laid down their arms. The surrender comes after the atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagaasaki on the 6th and the 8th of August, 1945.


70 Chinese Men Shot at Changi Beach

Friday, 20th February 1942

70 Chinese men, who were suspected to be anti-Japanese were shot at Changi Beach by the Japanese "Kempeitai" Soldier.


Japanese Operation Sook Ching

Wednesday, 18th February 1942

Many Chinese were ordered to assemble at various centres for screening by the occupying Japanese Imperial Army in Operation Sook Ching - A massacre that claimed about 50,000 lives. Operation Sook Ching was a systematic extermination of perceived hostile elements.


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