2. AT A GLANCE
The fall of Singapore
Life during the Japanese occupation
Immediate post-war problem
3. WHAT WERE THE EFFORTS MADE BY THE
BRITISH TO DEFEND SINGAPORE?
Britain decided on the ‘main fleet to Singapore’s strategy
Installation of 15-inch guns facing the sea
Building of military airfields in Sembawang and Tengah
Underground bunkers were in several places like Fort
Canning, Labrador and Sembawang
Building of Naval Base in Sembawang
4. WHY DID THE BRITISH FAIL TO STOP THE
JAPANESE?
Good Japanese preparation
Japanese superiority in battle strategy armed forces and
leadership
British priority to war in Europe
5. HOW DID THE PEOPLE OF SINGAPORE REACT
TO THE JAPANESE ATTACK
The people did not believe that Singapore would
fall
6. HOW DID THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION
CHANGED THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN SINGAPORE
Singapore was renamed as ‘Syonan-to’
British and other Europeans taken as POWs
Most lived in fear of the Kempeitai and its harsh
punishment
Operation Sook Ching attempted to wipe out Chinese
opposition to the Japanese
Serious shortage of food and poor health conditions
7. DID LIFE RETURN TO NORMAL AFTER THE
JAPANESE OCCUPATION
The British military administration established for post
war reconstruction
Shortage of food, water and electricity
Overcrowding and unhygienic housing conditions