The so called belief that Singapore was an impregnable fortress, could not be further from the truth. The Japanese were able to utilise its air, land and light tank units in combination to launch pincer attacks cutting off British Empire forces, and destroying them.
Why did the Japanese attack Singapore?
Their aim was to capture Tengah airfield and Bukit Panjang village. Subsequently, the Imperial Guards division would attack the Causeway sector and aim to take Mandai village and Nee Soon. On the night of 8 February 1942, the Japanese began to bombard the northwestern coastline of Singapore.
How did we lose Singapore?
On January 31st 1942, the British and Australian forces withdrew across the causeway that separated Singapore from Malaya. … On February 8th, 1942, the Japanese attacked across the Johor Strait. Many Allied soldiers were simply too far away to influence the outcome of the battle.
Why British lost to the Japanese in Singapore?
The British Empire’s air, naval, and ground forces which were needed to protect the Malayan peninsula were inadequate from the start, and the failure of General Percival to counter the pincer movements of the Japanese led to the withdrawal of British Empire forces to Singapore.
Has Singapore fought in a war?
World War II
The Corps was involved in the defence of Singapore during the Second World War. … The SSVF — including four infantry battalions — took part in the Battle of Singapore in 1942, and most of its members were captured on 15 February 1942 when their positions were overrun.
How many people died during the Japanese occupation of Singapore?
Due to the lack of written records, the official death toll remains unknown. According to official Japanese statistics, the number was below 5,000, while the Singaporean Chinese community initially alleged 100,000.