The British returned to Singapore in September 1945 after the Japanese surrender, but the interim period was chaotic as locals looted Japanese shops and killed informers. A temporary British Military Administration government was established to maintain order and help reconstruction, but they faced many challenges, including food shortages, lack of public utilities, unemployment, destruction of housing, and poor public health. Education was also disrupted.

1. Post War Singapore - The Interim Years

2. The Interim Period On 17th August 1945, Japan surrendered from Singapore. British rulers only returned to Singapore by September 1945. During this period, the Japanese were still in control. Many Singaporeans rushed to get rid of their Banana notes.

3. Some Japanese sold their goods at very low prices. Looting of Japanese shops was common. Some informers who helped the Japanese during the occupation were killed by the locals. As a result of the looting and revenge killings, it was very chaotic in Singapore during this period.

4. The Return of the British 1945 Sept The British returned on 5th Sept 1945. A week after there was a grand victory parade at the Padang to mark the return of the British. Participants were soldiers, sailors and airmen who had fought against the Japanese and MPAJA who had hidden in the jungles to fight against the Japanese. Lord Louis Mountbatten represented the British to sign the surrender document of the Japanese.

5. A temporary military government was set up to run Singapore. It was made up of professional soldiers and former European civil servants. It was called British Military Administration. Aims were to maintain law and order and to help in the reconstruction of Singapore in the next few years. The people's confidence and faith in the British, however, had changed.

6. Problems faced by the British Shortage of food - especially rice as the other rice-producing countries did not produce enough to sell us. Bombing in Singapore also destroyed ships so trade was affected. Harbour was also blocked by sunken ships. Many warehouses were destroyed during the war. With the shortage of food prices soared to ten times the normal prices. There was a growth of black market due to scarcity of food. Shortage of public utilities - water supplies were affected as many water pipes were destroyed. Reservoirs were dirtied as filters and pumping stations were not maintained. Gas and electricity were also disrupted. Streets were dirty, dark and unsafe at night.

7. Unemployment - Thousands of people became jobless after they were thrown out of job when the Japanese surrendered and left Singapore. Destruction of houses - Air bombings destroyed many buildings and housings. Shortages resulted in rapid rise of rent. Buildings became overcrowded as many squeezed into small living areas. Living condition became unhealthy and many people moved out of the city and became squatters.

8. Poor health among the people - Twice as many people died in 1945 as compared to post war years. Hospitals lacked equipment, bedding, furniture and medicine. Many people suffered from malnurition and diseases like small pox. Disruption in Education - Many pupils stopped school during the Japanese Occupation. Schools also lacked teaching materials and proper facilities.