Surrender of British (15 Feb 1942)

Today is Chinese New Year. It was supposed to be a celebration day for all the Chinese but no one has the mood. This is because British have surrender to Japanese in the evening!

After the fall of Pasir Panjang, General Percival cabled his superior, informing him that Singapore could not resist the Japanese for more than a day. He requested that he be given the discretion to surrender if necessary. The Malay Regiment made its last stand at Bukit Cahandu.

British had a final conference at the Fort Canning bunker. Lieutenant-General Percival wanted to discuss ways to counter-attack but his commanders were against the idea. They felt that there were too many problems and the soldiers were tired. More men would be killed if they were to engage the Japanese in street fighting. Their supplies of food and water were running out. To prevent further bloodshed, the British opted for surrender. Japanese Lieutent-Colonel Sugita led Percival and his delegation to the Ford Motor Factory to negotiate the surrender terms. At the negotiating table, Percival met Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita for the first time.

The British gave in and surrendered to the Japanese.

Here is an extract of what took place during the negotiation process:

Yamashita: I want to hear whether or not you want to surrender. If you want to surrender, I insist on it being unconditional. What is your answer? Yes or no?

 

Percival    : Will you give me until tomorrow morning?

 

Yamashita: Tomorrow? I cannot wait and the Japanese forces will have to attack tonight.

 

Percival    : How about waiting until 11.30pm. Tokyo time?

 

Yamashita: If that is to be the case, the Japanese forces will have to resume attacks until then. Will you say yes or not?

 

Percival: (made a reply)

 

Yamashita: I want o hear a decision answer and I insist on an unconditional surrender. What do you say?

 

Percival    : Yes.

 

Yamashita: All right, then. The order to cease fire must be issued exactly at 10p.m. I will immediately send 1,000 troops into city area to maintain peace and order. Do you agree to that?

 

Percival    : Yes.

 

Yamashita: If you violate these terms, the Japanese will lose no time in launching a general and final offensive against Singapore City.

Percival and his British field commanders making their way to Ford Motor Factory

The Ford Motor Factory in 1942

The old Ford Motor Factory is now known as 'Memories at Old Ford Factory'

The surrender negotiations

 

 

Citation
Books:
1. Curriculum Planning & Development Division MOE, Singapore. (2012). Singapore From Settlement To Nation Pre-1819 To 1971 (2nd Edition). Singapore. Marshall Cavendish Education.

Website:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Singapore

2. http://www.ghettosingapore.com/old-ford-motor-factory/