Military History Tours          On Tour - Singapore 75 Anniversary 13 February 2017

This morning we met in the lobby at 8:45 all ready to go. We were met by our local guide Janie, her assistant Shermine, and driver Ken.

On the way to Lim Chu Kang Road we managed to locate a position close to the corner of Bukit Timah Road and Clementi Road which we think is ‘Hill 115’ where 2/26 Bn fought in the late stages of the battle, just prior to surrender. Typically for this part of Singapore it is now a suburban area.

We passed through what would have been the rear areas of 22 Brigade as we passed Tengah Air Base. Lim Chu Kang Rd brought us to several defensive areas for 2/20 Bn, and also landing locations for the Japanese 25th Army. Here is where the Straits of Johore are at their narrowest, there are mangroves and fairly thick jungle in parts; this is the undeveloped region of Singapore.

We moved on to the Kranji Beach Battle site where we were able to view the Causeway (and the old Sultan’s palace – both relatively unchanged since 1942. The Kranji estuary is now a fresh water impoundment.

We paused for lunch at a shopping centre in Woodlands (Near the Causeway) where we chanced upon the Australian Army contingent having lunch after preparations for Wednesday’s service. These Reserve Soldiers are also conducting exercises in the area.

We then moved on the another location where we could view the Causeway – alas, no monkeys!

Close by is the Kranji War Cemetery where we were able to overview 27 Brigade’s defence of this area on the second night of the landings, then to locate the grave of a relative of the Munro’s. After some time to themselves, all tour members joined them and we conducted a short but moving service.

Tonight we are gathering for a tour group dinner……more on that tomorrow.