Changi prison

Victory & Liberation

Pandian Ramaiah 2 Comments

Singapore’s War Heritage

Part 6: Liberation & Legacy

Recap: Despite its reputation as an impregnable fortress, Singapore’s defenses rapidly crumbled due to the speed, tactical innovation, and air superiority of the Japanese forces, leading to its fall and surrender in February 1942. The subsequent brutal Japanese occupation (1942-1945) tested the populace’s spirit, forcing unimaginable suffering yet ultimately revealing profound resilience, survival, and deep cultural and human endurance.

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. Stanley Warren’s Murals
  19. Treatment of POWs
  20. Underground Resistance

21/26: Victory & Liberation

This post talks about the end of the darkness and a new dawn. This is not only the end of a war, a rebirth of this nation.

Everyone knew Japanese surrendered after the American atom bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki cities, which is another atrocity against humanity. Hence British forces entered into Singapore in September 1945 as well. It was named as Operation Tiderace.

5th and 14th division of British Indian troops were on the front in this rescue mission. They landed in Singapore first and recovered the city from the Japanese.

Louis Mountbatten accepted the formal Japanese surrender at the City Hall steps (today’s National Gallery). Japanese commander Seishiro Itagaki signed the surrender agreement. Japanese officers surrendered their swords. This denotes the fall of Japanese rule in Singapore.

Picture (c) NewspaperSG

Freedom provided a mixed feelings – joy and grief. They are free from Starvation, torture and fear that existed for 3 years. Changi prison’s door were opened.

Allied prisoners walk through the prison gates of Changi Prison (or possibly Sime Road Camp), Singapore, waving and smiling. Picture (c) https://commons.wikimedia.org

But those who returned were lost their weight considerably and their bones were protruding their skin. That’s the time many families realized that their lovables (especially those who went to death railway construction) are no more. Indian women in Malaya and India shattered to know their husband died in Burma or Pacific Islands.

JAPANESE SURRENDER AT SINGAPORE, 12 SEPTEMBER 1945 The Japanese delegation leaves the building after the surrender ceremony. Picture (c) https://commons.wikimedia.org

There was a heavy weight silence among the crowd that gathered in front of City Hall on Sep 12, 1945. It is not a sign of rattle, but a silence respect to those who lost their lives. V denotes not only victory, but also a vow – a vow to ensure no such war any more. Whatever we see in Changi Chapel and Museum today reminds us of this news – the cost of the victory of this war.

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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.

Underground Resistance

Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Recap:

This detailed historical narrative traces Singapore’s journey from an overconfident colonial fortress, built on a strategic but fragile military foundation, to its swift and devastating fall to Japan. The text chronicles the collapse of British defenses through superior Japanese air power and tactical speed, culminating in a brutal occupation marked by atrocity, yet highlighting the profound resilience and courage of its citizens and prisoners of war.

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. Stanley Warren’s Murals
  19. Treatment of POWs

20/26: Underground Resistance

This post explores the underground resistance—a secret protest organized by POWs and the public, conducted without Japanese knowledge.

The Double Tenth Incident (Jaywick Raid):

This occurred on October 10, 1943. British and Australian commandos infiltrated the Singapore port and mined Japanese ships. The Kempeitai, the Japanese intelligence agency, suspected that the attack had the support of POWs. Consequently, many officers and members of the public in Changi prison were taken to interrogation centers, where many lost their lives during interrogations that extended for weeks.

Elizabeth Choy

She is an important name in Singapore history. Mrs. Choy and her husband smuggled food, medicine, and letters to the POWs in prison. During the Double Tenth Incident, they were arrested and jailed for almost 200 days and tortured. Despite knowing the risks to their lives, the resilience she showed elevated her to a national hero.

Clandestine Radios

Because the connection to the outside world was totally severed, POWs attempted to get connected to the news. They built their own radios using items available on the campus, such as broken spare parts, wires, and batteries.

They learned from the news that the Allied forces were dominating the war field. The news spread across the camp, providing them hope and boosting their morale. Despite knowing that getting caught meant death, they proceeded.

Indian POWs also contributed to this underground work. While in contact with the Japanese, they secretly passed messages to British officers (TO BE VERIFIED). Many Indians refused to join the Japanese intelligence agency and faced torture.

This war unfolded in silence without bullets, yet it was resilient. Like Elizabeth Choy, locals and POWs united in blind hope. Those secret radios not only provided them with news but also sustained their hope.

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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.

Treatment of POWs

Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Recap: This narrative details Singapore’s transition from a heavily militarized colonial fortress, built for defense, to a rapidly conquered territory following the Japanese invasion. The history highlights the rapid collapse of the British defense due to modern Japanese tactics and the subsequent three years of brutal occupation, while also paying tribute to the unparalleled resilience, heroism, and cultural survival demonstrated by the local population and POWs.

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. Stanley Warren’s Murals

19/26: Treatment of POWs

This post discusses the crucial and significant protest known as the Selarang Incident, and also touches upon the resilient spirit and positive camaraderie found within the camp.

Selarang Incident

This was a non-violent protest that took place in September 1942. After four POWs attempted an escape, they were eventually captured.

Angered by this, the Japanese ordered all POWs to sign a pledge vowing that they would never escape again. British and Australian POWs refused to sign, stating that escaping was a duty of a soldier.

As a punishment, 15,400 soldiers were locked in a parade square. Over the next four days, facing the scorching sun, inadequate water and food, and no proper toilet facilities, dysentery spread rapidly. Ultimately, to save their lives, they agreed to sign later.

The food provided was horrible; they were given only rice and salt, and sometimes rotten vegetables. Beriberi spread due to Vitamin B1 deficiency, and many POWs affected by this were unable to walk because their legs were swollen and their nerves were damaged.

The Red Cross sent bags of medicine, food, and letters, but the Japanese guards either did not allow the supplies or sometimes confiscated them for themselves, which increased the overall mortality rate. The conditions for Indian POWs were reportedly the worst, as they did not receive the same international aid.

The Selarang Incident was not a failure; it is a prime example of the profound unity among the POWs. The stories we see in the CCM today all stem from that powerful protest.

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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.

Religious Solace (Changi Chapel)

Pandian Ramaiah 1 Comment

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

17/26: Religious Solace (Changi Chapel)

This post explores how the prisoners found ways to maintain their sense of life and hope during their time at Changi Prison.

The prisoners built chapels using trivial items they were able to get from the prison.

Changi Chapel (recreation in Changi Chapel and Museum). Image (c) Heritage SG.

Amid the death and disease, these chapels provided a place of calmness and a refuge from sorrow. The cross at Changi Chapel is not just a simple religious symbol; it was meticulously crafted by melting the brass bullet casings used during the war. A device meant for destruction was transformed into a symbol of hope, Irony! Today, this cross is an important artifact at the Changi Museum.

The original chapel, St. George’s Chapel, was dismantled and sent to Australia, where it was reconstructed at the Royal Military College in Canberra. The brass cross also traveled to Australia. After several decades, it returned to Singapore on loan in the mid-1990s.

Changi Cross. Image (c) Heritage SG

For the Indians at Nee Soon and Seletar, they attempted to find solace in temporary places of worship. People mention that small trees or small platforms became their makeshift temples (To be verified).

Despite the Japanese restrictions, religious worship allowed them a chance to gather. Even when they lost their identity, they lived as human beings and maintained their place in society through their worship. This helped them sustain their dignity and their will to live.

Changi Chapel is not just built with stones and wood; it is built from the hope of countless prisoners of war. The process of turning a bullet casing into a cross is a unique example of humanity’s ultimate faith in hope.

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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.

Prisoners of War (PoW)

Pandian Ramaiah 1 Comment

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

15/26: Prisoners of War (PoW)

We shall examine the fate of the Allied soldiers who became Prisoners of War after the fall of Singapore—a theme central to the Changi Chapel and Museum today.

On February 17, 1942, the Allied troops were forced to march from Padang, the city’s center, to the Changi prison on the eastern side of Singapore. Without adequate food or water, they were forced to walk 22 km. The fading notion that “the sun never sets on the British Empire” was shattered and disappeared in the dust raised by their march, watched by local people who offered them food and water out of sympathy.

Changi was not just a prison; it was a vast cantonment. British, Australian, and Dutch soldiers were held there, while Indian soldiers were housed in different camps, many of whom later joined the Indian National Army (INA). Beyond the soldiers, the European women and their children, were also held at the Changi jail. Although the facility was built for around 600 people, it housed approximately 3,000.

Prisoners of war attending a church service in a small chapel in Changi Gaol. Photo courtesy of the Australian War Memorial (117658). saltandlight.sg

The contribution of Indian troops often goes unmentioned by local guides. However, the historical truth is complex: on February 17, 1942, the Japanese gathered Indian soldiers at Farrer Park. They orchestrated a division, planning to separate Indian troops from the British and compel them to fight the Japanese. This setup allowed Captain Mohan Singh and the Japanese military to form the Indian National Army (INA), which aimed to liberate India from British rule. For the Japanese, the goal was to eliminate the British and establish a greater global power.

Captain Mohan Singh (in turban) being greeted by the Japanese Major Fujiwara Iwaichi, April 1942. Picture (c) Wikipedia

The soldiers faced a difficult choice: some promised allegiance to the British military, while others saw the Japanese as a chance to liberate India. Consequently, around 40,000 Indian soldiers chose to join the INA, while approximately 20,000 opted to remain with the British and endure the hardship of being Prisoners of War.

Indian soliers, those who did not join the INA, were not sent to Changi. Instead, they were locked up in less hospitable camps, such as Seletar and Kranji, and were treated as traitors by the Japanese. The Japanese forces even used them for target practice. Furthermore, thousands of POWs were transferred to distant Pacific islands like New Guinea and Palau as cheap and compulsory labor, where many perished from starvation and disease.

Pictures emerge showing Japanese troops using Sikh POWs as practice targets – SBS Punjabi – Source: The Sun

The Indian Medical Corps made exceptional contributions by treating wounded Allied soldiers in Alexandra Hospital, even after being captured themselves.

From Changi and the other jails, POWs were eventually transported to the Thailand-Burma death railway and Japanese mines as forced labor, where many never returned. Those who survived remain living witnesses to this sorrowful history.

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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.