Japanese Occupation of Singapore
The Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II occurred between 1942 and 1945 after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Military forces of the Empire of Japan occupied Singapore after defeating the combined Australian, British, Indian and Malayan garrison in the Battle of Singapore. The occupation was to become a major turning point in the history of several nations, including that of Japan, Britain and the then-colonial state of Singapore. Singapore was renamed to Syonan-to (昭南島 Shōnan-tō), which means "Light of the South".
Singapore was officially returned to British colonial rule on 12 September 1945, following the formal signing of the surrender instrument at the Municipal Building.
Historical Context
After the Malay Operation which resulted in the capture of Malaya by Japanese forces, Singapore was invaded on 8 February 1942. This culminated in the surrender of Singapore.
The Japanese Occupation
- The Japanese imposed a brutal military rule of Singapore. Some notable events are listed below.
Taking of Allied Forces as Prisoners of War
- On the morning of 16 February 1942 (the day after the complete surrender of Allied forces), Allied Prisoners of War (POWs) were forced to march from holding areas scattered across the island to Changi, where they would be taken prisoner. With little sustenance, the POWs had to carry their own belongings to their respective places of confinement at Changi. It took until at least 17 February 2025 for most POWs to reach their camps.
- In the camps, there was severe overcrowding and a lack of food, causing malnutrition and skin disease. Furthermore, some POWs were deployed to work at projects such as the Burma Railway and Sandakan. These factors resulted in a high death toll.
Operation Sook Ching
- Three days after the Allied surrender, the Japanese began Operation Sook Ching, to massacre Chinese civilians, in light of the resistance they had put up against the Japanese in China. Chinese men between the ages of 18 and 50 had to report to screening centres, where some would be singled out and sent for execution. High estimates put the death toll at 100,000, but analysis points to it being from 25,000 to 50,000.
Food Shortages
- Owing to much food being allocated for the Japanese military's use, there was a shortage of food. Food rationing was introduced, with the amount of food allocated per person decreasing over the course of the Occupation due to the aggravating food situation. Hence, it was common for civilians to grow their own food - ranging from tapioca to vegetables. The severe food shortages resulted in a black market where food was illegally traded for exorbitant prices.
The End of the Occupation
- On 15 Auguet 1945, Japan formally surrendered to the allies, after the defeat of Nazi Germany and the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by nuclear weapons. However, British rule only returned on 12 September 1945. This marked the end of the over three-year-long Japanese occupation.