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)

References:

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

http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_40_2005-01-24.html

Sources:

http://img.geocaching.com/cache/d5e13604-ab84-4c11-8a5e-29f6fda73993.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SvqZXQuLXRs/SkcoSVWZ0nI/AAAAAAAAACo/4TgHbFDoGeY/s320/sook+ching+operation+ford+motor+factory.jpg

http://ww2today.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Japanese-bayonet-practice-on-live-prisoner-295x214.jpg

Singapore: From Settlement to Nation by Marshall Cavendish Education (2007) pg. 109

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKogXbqgA0UlNZWnIZQFXHfzxMes_DosSVoQmHPa5JrnEqqg2pKS8y8zEgyTPcJKsC92xQpeRMd-T9xTeHHmD52DNSrRzyOg5G5sse4C3NaQebk6jbp9pEHuKW6WcszJ-KXcgB2dr2Nqwz/s320/IMG_5487.JPG