Reflections

So we've come to the end of our trip across Singapore's battlefields, but before we go, we'd like to share some of the things that we've learnt on this trip.

It really marvels me that Singapore has so many historical sites. Before this trip, I only really knew about Labrador Park and Fort Canning because those were the only sites that we used to visit during field trips in primary school. But now after visiting all the sites that we've visited, not only am I more enlightened about World War II, but also Singapore itself, which seems like a much bigger place now. It is also funny how tourists seem to make up a large portion of the crowd compared to local Singaporeans (with the exception of school children). What I feel that we should all just take some time to get to know about our country, the pitfalls of World War II and how they have shaped the way we currently live. Why travel to other countries when your own backyard is already full of so many amazing tales?
-Gerald

The biggest learning point for me was knowing that so many of the Japanese attacks could be avoided and easily won. The British made lots of miscalculations. Miscalculations that provide a vital lesson for all for us, to be independent, to be ever-prepared, and to be united as a country. The British mistakes might seem bad, but really, without them, we're worse off. It has come to greatly affect our society, whether we like it or not. Now I know the importance of Total Defence Day and never will I take it granted ever again...
-Benny

For me, the thing that affected me the most after venturing on this exciting journey was the heroes that fought for Singapore. Kranji War Memorial was certainly the area that struck us all the most. Seeing all those graves made me realise how many people were willing to fight for Singapore to the death just to protect it, something that we also learnt from Memories at Bukit Chandu, and which remained a recurring theme in our trip. We must appreciate these heroes, for they are the ones who made Singapore a much better place to live in than it was during World War II.
-Shan Wei

With that, we bid you a farewell and hope you enjoyed this trip.

Old Ford Factory

While Old Ford Factory focuses more on life during the Japanese Occupation, a topic we are not focusing for on our tour, it is still one of the most important (and the final) stops of our journey. It is the very site that Lt. General Arthur Ernest Percival officially surrended to the Japanese.

Additionally, something interesting to note is that Old Ford Factory is a relatively new museum, restored only in 2005.

Alexandra Hospital & Bukit Chandu

Next stop in our journey: Bukit Chandu, where the Malay Regiment so bravely fought against the Japanese in the are which we now call Kent Ridge Park. At Memories of Bukit Chandu, we saw the war through the eyes of the men fighting in it and the many sacrifices they made. Something that we cannot show you on film was the extra-sensory show that we watched that took us back to the Battle of Pasir Panjang, sights and sounds included.

Before we reached Bukit Chandu though, there was a little detour that we made. Alexandra Hospital was a site where civillians were killed mercilessly, and certainly illustrates the unecessary terrors of war. These terrors include the beheading of innocent newborns and the shooting of a young and severely injured patient that was already lying on a hospital bed. Unfortunately, we could not enter the building to visit the small memorial located in it due to preventive measures against H1N1.

Bukit Timah

Two days after the first Japanese landing in Singapore, the invaders now strike with full force. Bukit Timah is the site of one of the bloodiest battles during World War II, where a multiple of platoons all rought bravely against the Japanese on Bukit Timah Road, the exact road that is right outside our very own school.

We thus felt it apt to film in Hwa Chong itself, which is part of the region that staged the third phase of the Japanese invasion.

Kranji

After the Japanese Army's assault of Sarimbun, more reinforcements landed in Kranji Beach, the second stage of the invasion. It is interesting to note that here, the Japanese suffered one of their heaviest losses ever, causing them to consider aborting the invasion. However, there were multiple of mistakes and miscommunications on the British side...

While the footage was not taken at the original battle site, we opted for Kranji War Memorial instead for it is one of the most famous monuments of Singapore, and also one that not only reminds us of the horrors of war, but commemorates the brave soldiers who fought bravely, and died honourably for Singapore.

Kranji War Memorial was also one of the more memorable stops in our journey. Once we stepped in the gate, we were instantly surrounded by serenity, something that is not very easy to find nowadays. Seeing the many tombstones, the archives and the plaques also sobered us greatly. We hope that you not only enjoy the following video, but also take a short moment to remember of Singapore's many unsung heroes.

Sarimbun

On the morning of 8 February 1942, war struck the western coasts of Singapore. It was at Sarimbun Beach where one of the first battles occured, and the most important one at that. The Japanese victory allowed them to progress through Singapore and eventually, conquer the rest of the island.

Here we are at the first stop of the trip, Sarimbun.

Introduction

Hello and welcome to our World War II blog, Battlefield Singapore! Here we will be exploring Singapore, not taking any other route or tour, but one that coincides with the route that the Japanese invaders took 60 over years ago, from the Japanese landing at Sarimbun Beach to the British surrender at Ford Factory. Sit back and enjoy the ride as we tell you more about the exciting battles that took place during World War II...

Note: Forgive the last part of the film, the weird sound you are hearing is a sneeze of the cameraman.