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:
- Ancient Roots
- British Fortress
- Colonial Defense
- December 1941
- Entry into Malaya
- Fall of Sarimbun
- Gap in Defense
- Heroism of Malay Regiment
- Infantry
- Killings at Alexandra
- Lieutenant Adnan Saidi
- Massacre at the Ridge
- Negotiation at Ford Factory
- Occupation Begins
- Prisoners of War (PoW)
- Quarters of Changi
- Religious Solace (Changi Chapel)
- Stanley Warren’s Murals
- 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.
