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.

The Fight Against The Enemy

Alright, I had enough of this non-sense. I had enough of them already.  Not only me but the Singaporeans also. I heard that there are a lot of groups that formed to fight against the Japanese. Rumor around the locals that there is an anti-Japanese group called Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA)  to fight against the Japanese in the jungles of Malaya. The group consists of the members of Malayan Communist Party. The MPAJA would attack out of the blue on the Japanese military if possible and if they have the chance.

There is another group who are against the Japanese. Their goal is to help the British to get Malaya back and Singapore from the Japanese occupation. They are called the 'Force 136'. They say that the British had made this group to  study about the Japanese and organize sabotages. This information was entrusted to me because one of my cousins is a part of the organization. He is in India, training for the fight of his life and ours. I can say that I am proud of him.

(Force 136)

There is this man named Lim Bo Seng, apparently a business man, who is arrested for his anti-Japanese activities. He is rebellious lad, isn't he? I wonder how many men are imprisoned with the same case. I only hope that they were not executed. But then again, the Japanese would do it.

Reference:

Curriculum Planning & Development Division   Ministry Of Education Singapore . SINGAPORE FROM SETTLEMENT TO NATION PRE 1819-1971. Singapore . Marshall Cavendish

Source:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfM_hhYNHPwrvM0Drm53W4ui3bNY5EQ6vuQ9CadSRzczxfLk8R

The Price to Pay

This is just insane! These days the food supplies are decreasing each passing day. One of my sisters had died of starvation, a week ago. This is their fault. If they hadn't destroyed the trading port, we could have have a normal run of trading for food. To add, the resources we have are also used for support on Japan's war efforts in other parts of Asia.

Like my passed-away sister, many have died from from diseases and malnutrition. We are living in poverty! The Essential foodstuffs that we need are sold at very high prices and sold at the 'black market'. The 'black market'. It is actually illegal to buy from the 'black market' but some people really need to feed their self.

They had introduced us a solution for our everyday consumption needs. Rationing: a system to control the sales of essential needs. Each household are given a 'Peace Living Certificate' which entitled to us to a number of ration cards to purchase essential goods. Every month, we would line up to purchase what we need but if there is the availability.

(A ration card)

(A banana note)

Matters made worse by the Japanese of having unlimited supplies of 'banana notes'. Banana notes are like money to us. And matters get worse when authorities multiply more banana notes when they need it more. To state fact, banana notes are only made with low quality paper. It had no serial number and could be forge with no sweat. It actually causes the banana notes to drop the value and increase the price of items. And the result? Life had come to worse and became harder.                                      

The Change of Singapore

Many had already changed since I got out from the camp. There are centres where some people would give some information of anti-Japanese groups. They took suspects in front of the informer who is wearing either a hood or a mask and the informer will just point at a certain person. That person which the informer had pointed would be executed immediately.

(One of the centers where accusations happened.)

News that the Japanese gave the Chinese a punishment. They forced the Chinese to contribute money to Japan's war efforts. The Chinese community had no choice but to pay the Japanese $50 million.

(The cheque given to the Japanese from the Chinese community)

There is another new rule under the house; respecting the presence of the Japanese, of course. Every time that we pass by the Japanese men, soldiers or authorities, we need to bow at them. Ridiculous. But there are many places that the Japanese were having propaganda campaigns. It is like they are wiping their minds and control them by influence. There are many news that we are treated as sisters and brothers. How ironic. I saw a Japanese man kicking a beggar on the streets. Poor fella; he could have been spared.

At schools, the students and staffs were told to have morning assemblies to face where Japan is and sing their national anthem (Kimigayo). Mass drills were made compulsory for everyone. And all of them must learn how to speak Japanese. The teaching staff were taught several times a week while students receive their daily Japanese lessons on the school's broadcasting system.

(A student studying Japanese)

To influence more of the Singaporeans, they controlled the broadcasting and made a rule that they shall not hear other radio stations except the Japanese only. They say those who were caught listening non-Japanese broadcasts were punished or eventually killed. And also in cinemas there are only Japanese movies and propaganda films are shown. They are too much. However, some of them are already under their fullest control.




(A Japanese film during 1943)

Prison Treatment: Is it good, harsh or neutral?

The Japanese ruled over us with fear, trapping us with anxiety in our state constantly. Which it would be easier for them to manipulate us. Even if one of us committed a small offense, we were severely punished at once. News came in that those who helped Britain would be executed and would not change their mind.

As I was still staying at the prison camps, I can find it that they are very harsh in keeping us on doing labor and at the same time, so kind to give us food and shelter. But the food was prepared by fellow prison mates. We are called POWs (prisoners-of-war) which we are far more harshly treated than the European civilians who are in Changi. I know because I have received a letter from a friend who was in Changi prison. Despite their treatment at work, they let us keep our spirits in great heights. They let us organize plays, activities and enjoyable events. They also let us make our own school which we can share each others knowledge; Greek way, would fit the method. 

(Men finished their own activity for the day)

After weeks, they examined us again and set the 'clean ones' free. But I still many news from prisons around Singapore. For example, most Malays and Indians were not captured as they are not a big threat in the Japanese occupation. In fact, they even askred to be allies with them and free them from the British. However, they were treated as harshly as the other civilians. If they disobeyed the Japanese, they were punished right away. Some Malays were dragged and forced to do hard labor on the 'Death Railway' camps.

Recent news came from the camp that I was in. The POWs started to get seriously ill. They got malaria, cholera and causes about more than 60,000 deaths. They all have labored in the 'Death Railway' in swamps, jungles, and the mountainous passes and were not given sufficient treatment.

(Two men from the labor camp. They were not supplied much and never had treated)

References:

Curriculum Planning & Development Division   Ministry Of Education Singapore . SINGAPORE FROM SETTLEMENT TO NATION PRE 1819-1971. Singapore . Marshall Cavendish

Sources:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Allied_prisoners_of_war_after_the_liberation_of_Changi_Prison,_Singapore_-_c._1945.jpg/220px-Allied_prisoners_of_war_after_the_liberation_of_Changi_Prison,_Singapore_-_c._1945.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRivpITw8klXcn6GSXiDzQkFMhIREAsjE_Eb1ehUOh89qnWkzJC8w

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSGTzV46f86-DSP1Qzge6TPkNZhEw7NGN1SOnC5aX9CTlOD8Fzj

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZr3cEKuhgyqGyEa49F0OvD54HqGeoK2TqAvephK8GIYvayWPFz8Qy7K1e_OwgbTAA4fo9NlGqiyxGx26wyamxYhhVEqeRQ26WArKlIN2LyCt6S6PUWlhwNyoZSMHCnbuAprEDc1GXrzA/s200/pow1.jpg

The Torture: Operation Sook Ching

Not long after the surrender, the Japanese had conducted many 'examinations' and searches if there was any opposing citizens in Singapore. But they focused on the Chinese immigrants who stays at Singapore. Those who were 18 and above were 'examined' in centers.

The examination

Those who were suspected to be a part of an Anti-Japanese society, were executed in Changi. That was what I have heard from my Chinese friends. Some of my friend's husband or brothers were executed. I feel sorry and pity who died even they were innocent. It was said that there were 6,000 who were suspected out of the range of 25,000 to 50,000. The 6,000 were brought to their deaths. How ruthless! This is unacceptable in my opinion.

<- (Japanese tying up the corpse of their prisoners)


Many were harshly treated or punished if they made a mistake or simply made physical contact with them. Those who insulted them were brought and tortured or imprisoned them in their camps. I believe that this so called 'maintaining peace' is absurd.

A knock was placed on my door and suddenly Japanese officers barged in our home. All the people in my household was tied up and captive. They had dragged us outside with also other European civilians and local citizens. I could see fellow Brits (British people), Australians and other Europeans getting thrown on a truck. So roughly, by the looks of their throw.

(A stubborn man who is going to be dragged by the Japanese)

Japanese men were yelling at us to move faster (It is my guess.) But when I turn back, I could see that many other European civilians were forced to march. They were headed to the direction going to Katong. I wonder what will happen to us.

(The prisoners-of-war heading to Katong then to Changi prison)

As we stopped at an area that is surrounded by trees, we were thrown back on the ground and separated us in groups. We were silenced and told us to do labor. And this means that this is a prison camp. They separated me from my family and been alone with unknown people, doing labor such as digging dirt; construction and other mandatory works.

(Mandatory labor for prisoners)

Surrendering to the Japanese

15th February 1942, some Chinese residents were celebrating Chinese New Year despite the war between us and the Japanese. But what they do not know is that the British are having their final conference.
My brother was one of the men chose as witnesses for what happened at the conference and for the negotiations with the Japanese.

(The Chinese are celebrating Chinese New Year in 1942)

When he came back, he told me that they had surrendered. They have no choice but to surrender. They were running out of supplies and their men was too exhausted to fight. He added that, Lieutenant-General Percival was going meet the General of the Japanese and negotiate with them.

(Meeting held by General Percival, discussing with his men)

(General Percival, on his way to Ford Motor Factory)








He said that the Japanese were forceful. They forced an offer of an 'unconditional surrender' here. I do not know what to say about this.

(An image taken during the surrender negotiations)

The Japanese said that they will cease fire till 11.30 pm (in Tokyo time) The Japanese army will have to attack after at that deadline. When Percival agreed to this 'unconditional surrender' General Yamashita replied that he will cease fire at 10.00 pm and there would be 1,000 troops that would be entering Singapore to maintain peace and order. But if we violate their terms, they would have to attack again. 

The next day, 16th February 1942, news spread that Percival signed the surrender agreement.
What would come to Singapore after this?

Reference:

Curriculum Planning & Development Division   Ministry Of Education Singapore . SINGAPORE FROM SETTLEMENT TO NATION PRE 1819-1971. Singapore . Marshall Cavendish

Sources:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQsDrkaJsDfuh75HEnS5uXVMGBdSv0JzyPU_ThGvoUVdQoViiZy

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSOYvcbPt7pnZZuLqpamZqdqWt6_h4x13GltY8rSepAQIHM97D4

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRIhXQGf1ZW83U8nyWMkLhyv80Cp4j43w_hx8wfYpGIqzT81jkqsw

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgpLTM8KveB8cUXvdnmtug5aLhTDUWXKvfxkOD8FFGsAfkv-he2g

The Battle at the Start of 1942

The year passed by so quickly. It is now 14th of February, 1942. My brother and some cousins came home at sunset. They were part of the defense. They left a month ago to undergo training and to take part to defend against the Japanese. My sisters and other relatives helped out on their needs and help. As I cleansed their scars, they told me how did the war go.

The plans were not really good. The generals had commanded us not to go to Sultan Ibrahim's territory nor attack. We were positioned at the northwest to defend the area from the Japanese. But I think we have been tricked here... We were, then, sent to the northeast part. On what I heard from the report by the general, he stated that the Japanese troops had crossed the Johor straits. 

I cringed when they mentioned that they were tricked by the Japanese. Could it be true? I sighed. I continued to listen.

 The authorities commanded us to withdraw IF necessary. Just to protect the town center. Then, confusion were just around us. We withdrew and let the Japanese take that big chance and attacked again. After two days, we engaged battle with the Japanese troops at Bukit Timah Hill. But we... lost. We were forced out, leaving our rest of the supplies there.




One of my cousins, interfered the story. He first yelped at the pain and huffed some air then continued.

My friends were killed from the battle at Pasir Panjang. They lacked sleep and they were exhausted but still fought. Which results another fail to protect the area. We are still waiting if we need to go back or just surrender to the Japanese. He gave us just this two days to rest. As he will decide whether, let's just give up or not.

(Many soldiers had died after the battle)

As I listen to these accounts, I felt that we were, indeed, losing hope. I cannot comprehend much but what I know is that there is a big possibility that we would be occupied in a short time.

12th December 1941:Defense?

I am actually a worry-wart since it's from my family blood. One rumor really concerns me; it makes me feel anxious. They said:

"The British had decided to build military airfields in Tengah and Sembawang. The Japanese are planning to attack Singapore and the British are planning to defend mostly from the north. They ordered the roads and some areas to be heavily guarded. Hence, Singapore is a strong fortress."

 (Air bases in Tengah and Sembawang)

                                                                 

But what about the bombings from three days ago? Is this all a prank being pulled by the Japanese? They treat this as a small threat! Sometimes, I even wonder if they took little notes for the citizens. I cannot seem to see that they are helping much on the citizens living here. Yet, they do supply quite fairly to them.

I decided to take a journey to the north for leisure. But it is a surprise to see  that some areas were owned by the Japanese. There was a fishing fleet not to far away from the Japanese-owned areas. Suspicious, I say.  If the Japanese were against us, why would they... Oh, right. They need to set up their own stuff first before they attack us. That made quite a lot of sense.

(Fishing fleet owned by the Japanese)

(The land owned by the Japanese)

As I was returning home, a Japanese man came up to me and asked what do I think of the coastal areas. But I chose not to reply him. This is sort of a sudden and unexpected questions by foreign interviewers. As I stare at the bridge connecting Singapore to Malaya, I could see a big flock, more like an army, of soldiers on bicycles coming from Malaya.

I came home before night came. Good heavens! I would have been kicked by bicycles if I had not left sooner. My brother is involve in the military services; an authority also. He just came home right after me. He has black shadings on his face and some scratches on his arms. He flopped down on the sofa as groaned in tiredness. I asked him what happened. He replied me with a smothered look, "Some Japanese fighter planes, called as 'Zero', started attacking. We tried to defend but... Unfortunately half of our planes were destroyed." he sighed. "Why don't they engineer a new and stronger planes?"

8th December 1941: An uninvited guest

It was a good sleep I would tell you. But there was a sudden explosion that woke us up. I ran outside of our little mansion and saw warplanes flying over the area. Multiple strokes of whistles, declaring a bomb falling, filled the atmosphere. There were shouts of an unknown language and some locals were screaming and running away.

Japanese men searching around the neighborhood

Fighter planes from Japan

I scrambled back to my house and called the household to hide. We hid at the lower level of the house, at the lobby. Bombs and crashes. Screams. We were deathly afraid.

The Japanese invasion in China from 4 years ago -1937- was still fresh on my mind. I am afraid that the Japanese would do the same from what they have done in Nanking, China (Nanjing  南京).The Japanese army had killed thousands and thousands of people. Oh how I prayed that it would not happen.

If you want to know about the Nanking massacre during 1937, I will provide you a video. (Note: There is no subtitles or English translations provided)

A film about the massacre:

Part 1

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | 

Part 6 | Part 7| Part 8