Singapore’s War Heritage

Part 5: Changi & PoW Life

Recap: This series details the fall of Singapore during World War II, explaining the dramatic surrender of Allied forces to Japanese command on February 15, 1942, at the Old Ford Factory. This forced surrender, overseen by Lt Gen Percival and Japanese commander Yamashita, resulted in the capture of 130,000 soldiers, marking a pivotal and disastrous moment in British military history and fixing Singapore’s fate for the next three years.

Previous posts in this series:

1. Ancient Roots
2. British Fortress
3. Colonial Defense
4. December 1941
5. Entry into Malaya
6. Fall of Sarimbun
7. Gap in Defense
8. Heroism of Malay Regiment
9. Infantry
10. Killings at Alexandra
11. Lieutenant Adnan Saidi
12. Massacre at the Ridge
13. Negotiation at Ford Factory
14. Occupation Begins
15. Prisoners of War (PoW)
16. Quarters of Changi
17. Religious Solace (Changi Chapel)

18/26: Stanley Warren’s Murals

Stanley Warren was a British bombardier and a prisoner of war in Changi. He was fighting for his life, struggling with illnesses caused by dysentery and kidney problems. While receiving treatment at St Luke’s Chapel inside Changi camp, he volunteered to paint murals to offer solace to his fellow prisoners.

He did not have formal painting supplies. He used lime, charcoal, and a few available paints to paint murals reflecting biblical scenes (for example, the birth of Jesus and Jesus on the Cross). When starvation and death were threatening them, these murals served as a reminder of humanity. They provided religious hope for their lives.

After the end of the war, the chapel was abandoned. The paintings were hidden with whitewash, and the Japanese changed the space into a store-room. An RAF officer rediscovered them in 1958. A search for the artist followed, and Stanley Warren was found. He returned to Singapore in 1963 and 1988 to restore the damaged parts. The murals are officially preserved and are now regarded as important historical and sentimental relics of the Changi Prisoner of War camp.

Stanley drew them in a small room in Block 151, which was used as St Luke’s Chapel. That building is located inside Changi Airbase, which is a restricted area. For the public’s benefit, the murals have been recreated in the Changi Museum.

However, we can still feel the same message conveyed by the original murals here as well.

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This post is a part of BlogchatterA2Z Challenge 2026 http://www.theblogchatter.com/

This 26-post series for the 2026 A2Z challenge explores Singapore’s WWII heritage, from the initial invasion to the liberation of Changi Prison. Using concise storytelling, I try to connect historical lessons of sacrifice and the need for peace all around the world.