Day 11 - Singapore - Siloso, Bukit Chandu and the Battle Box - by Kate Maddern

Today was the fateful day that we used Bruce’s “Tardis Time Machine” and jumped from Wolrd War I to World War II. Today we had our introduction to World War II, particularly what happened in Singapore.

We started our day at a leisurely nine a.m., which is a lot better than some of the times that we have had to be on the bus by. Our first stop was the scenic cable car ride across to Sentosa Island. I certainly could not think of a better way to spend twenty minutes than being held across a large gap by one wire in a glass box. We had a really nice view of the city and the rainforest below us.

When we finally arrived at Sentosa Island we caught the island bus and tram up to Fort Siloso. This was a fort used in World War II when Singapore was under attack which had been converted into a museum. The tunnel system which was used for stores, living arrangements and headquarters. They gave us an insight into the lead up to the surrender of Singapore. One of the particularly interesting exhibits was the Surrender room, where it was a recreation of the Allies surrendering to Japan and then Japan surrendering to the Allies to end the war in the Pacific. After the Fort Siloso, we had lunch at at restaurant right on one of Sentosa Island’s beaches. The food was delicious, with dessert being a particular highlight for most.

After lunch we got back on the bus and headed for Bukit Chandu. Bukit Chandu was the second last battle before Singapore surrendered. Here the Malayan soldiers fought a gallant battle, before being beaten back by the Japanese. We watched a brilliant presentation of the Japanese troops taking a small village near Bukit Chandu. It was extremely life like, with being able to feel vibrations that were caused by the shells, and the screams of the civilians. It brought home to us that this was an horrendous war, even though it is not as well-known as Gallipoli.

From Bukit Chandu we headed to the Battle Box. This was used as a communications center by the Allies after they were forced to re-locate from the Siam Road headquarters. Similar to Fort Siloso, it has be opened for public viewing. The rooms had been set up with displays like they were in 1942. Here a highlight was an audio – visual presentation of the meeting when the officers decided to surrender.

Today we were given a really good orientation of what happened in Singapore in 1942.We now understand what the lead to the surrender. We understand why the Allies had to surrender. We understand what happened to the civilians during the occupation. This understanding can only help us to value more what the ANZACs did for us for the opportunities that we have today.