TODAY IN HISTORY - 15 Feb 1942 and the Fall of Singapore

It was Chinese New Year but there was absolutely no joy in celebrating it. The country was in shambles.

A Japanese flag could he seen flying from the top of the Cathay Building! Was this the end?

9.30 am:
Gen. Percival convened his most senior officers at the Battlebox for the latest status reports.

Brigadier Simson reported that water supply could not be maintained for more than a day due to breakages everywhere which could not be repaired. Water was still flowing despite the pumps and reservoir being in enemy’s hands!

The only fuel left were what remained in each vehicle and at a small pump at the Polo Club.

Reserved military rations could last for only a few more days.

With unanimous concurrence of all present, the decision to cease hostilities and to capitulate was made.

A deputation comprising Brigadier Newbigging, HQ Chief Admin Officer, the Colonial Secretary Mr Fraser and Major CH Wild as interpreter, left Fort Canning for the enemy lines at Bukit Timah Road.

At the junction of Farrer Road, they proceeded on foot with Union Flag and a white flag across the defence line for 600 yards where they were met by the Japanese soldiers.

They were later met by Col Sugita who refused their ‘invitation’ to the City for negotiations. Instead, Col Sugita demanded that Gen.Percival was to personally surrender to Gen.Yamashita.

To acknowledge this condition, the British were to fly a Japanese Flag from the top of the Cathay Building.

5.15pm:
The British surrender party drove up to the Bukit Timah Ford Motors factory.

The delegation was made up of Lt-Gen AE Percival, Brigadier Newbigging, Brigadier Torrance, Gen Staff Officer Malaya Command, and Major Wild, the interpreter from III Corps.

Though Gen.Percival tried to negotiate for some terms for his men, Gen Yamashita thought that he was playing for time and pressed Percival for an unconditional surrender, telling him that a major attack on the City was scheduled for 10.30pm that night and any delay, he might not be able to call off the operation in time.

“The time for the night attack is drawing near! Is the British Army going to surrender or not?”

Banging the table he shouted in English “Answer YES or NO.”

6.10 pm:
Gen.Percival signed the surrender document, handing Singapore over to the Japanese Empire.

Photo: 15 February, 1942 The Surrender (photo Imperial War Museum London)

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