In 1942 Singapore was a Jewel in British empire's crown. It was considered as an Impregnable Fortress. Allied forces under the leadership of British Lieutenant General Arthur Percival have made it sure that it will have strong seaward defence.
But the Japanese Lieutenant General Tomoyuki Yamashita attacked from the land side. Allied forces had destroyed the causeway connecting Malaysia to Singapore. So they never thought that Japan would attack from this side. But Japanese forces came in small boats from the border of Malaya to Northwest coast of Singapore at Sarimbun beach. It was in the dark of night of 8th February 1942. This was least expected by the Australian forces guarding North West border of Singapore.
Fierce fighting started but the Japanese forces kept on coming in batches through out the night and on the next day as well. Japanese forces wanted to capture the Tengah airfield and they did it by midafternoon of 9th February 1942.
This was the onset of Japanese dominance. Next 7 days, Singapore witnessed fierce fights between Japanese and Allied forces. On 15 the February Allied forces had to surrender and for next three years Singapore was under Japanese rule.
Where is this Sarimbun Beach? If you want to see it, you will have to travel to the Northwest of Singapore, to the Lim Chu Kang Area. Bahtera track takes you to sea coast from Lim Chu Kang Road. This is an unusual gravel road, may be the only gravel road, only unpaved and unlit road in Singapore. It takes you to the Sarimbun Landing site. This area really looks like some rural area. Of course you can imagine, rural means compared to other highly urbanised parts of Singapore!!
Being really in one corner and being unusual(unpaved, unlit) for Singapore, this Bahtera track is surely included in 100km or 200km cycling/driving route.
 |
| Sarimbun Landing site on Google Map |
 |
| Bahatera Track |
 |
| Bahatera Track P.C. Sneha Tilak |
 |
| Sarimbun Landing Site |
Now-a-days, this gate is closed for security reasons, so we don't have access to the sea water.
 |
| Sarimbun Beach Landing site P.C. Sneha Tilak |
Now this area serves as The Singapore Scout Association Campsite.
 |
| Scout Camp Site |
 |
| Scout Camp Site |
 |
| Scout Camping Site |
This site tells you that the security of this coastline was taken a bit lightly. This changed the course of World War II. Nothing is negligible. Even small events can lead to huge and widespread consequences.
I am sure you will surely like to visit this rural side of Singapore as well as acknowledge the historical importance of this site, Sarimbun Landing site.
#WWII #JapaneseOccupation #SingaporeInWWII
#BritishSingapore
Comments
Post a Comment