BGM

Sound of an Angel

What we have overcome

Singapore was in a really big mess; shortage of water supply, food supply, shortage of electricity, the streets were dirty and unsafe. We mostly did not able to go out much because of the trashes, broken glasses, mud and oil are lying around the streets.And in addition, we need to go out so we could buy food supplies.

The living conditions are poor and we are lacking health services.I feel pity for them. Still, a great number of people (but less from the Japanese occupation) are struggling with their health. Some had died of diseases, some just stayed in the hospital. But most families struggled financially.

The war had destroyed many houses and leaving thousands and thousands homeless. Rents are getting higher and higher. I wonder how could they overcome their problems?



Here is what the British Government did:

Firstly, they had put Japanese prisoners-of-war to work and clear the streets, to restore power and energy, gas and other essential services. Then, to solve the food shortages, we started rationing again while the docks were being cleared so they could get back on trading. Also, the people's restaurant were opened for service and sell their food at a reasonable price. Since, there are too many people and there are only limited spaces, the British government decided to make HDB flats. But not only that, They had made a law on rent control.

Hence, Singapore is back.

The Return Of Singapore

It's 12th September in 1945. Time flies so fast. Just this August (6 & 9) two bombs were launched in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They say that the Allied Forces dropped it in Japan. They even named the two bombs; 'Little boy' is the first bomb and 'fat man' is the second bomb. This causes the Japanese to go back in Japan and leave the countries that they occupied.

(This is a film documented after the bombing)

Just a week ago, 5th of September, the British troops had returned to Singapore from ships. This day, 12th of September, we, the European civilians and the locals had gathered at the Padang as the British troops go down and we cheered for them. How delighted I feel as they come back. In the Municipal Building (City Hall now) another surrender negotiations had occurred. But this time, it is the Japanese who are surrendering. It was sent to the Allied Commander, Lord Louis Mountbatten.

During the surrender ceremony, we did not see the Field-Marshal Count, Terauchi Juichi. Most of us, thought that he was afraid to go up on stage and declare the surrender himself. Instead, he sent another Japanese, General Itagaki, signed the surrendering document.